Why Burdock Oil

Why Burdock Oil – The Secret Ingredient to Healthy Hair

Burdock root is a fascinating plant rich in vitamins and minerals that help improve hair health. In fact, it’s been used for centuries for its strong effects and offers several surprising benefits.

Let's dive into why burdock oil should become a key part of your weekly routine.

What Exactly Is Burdock? 

Burdock, or Arctium Lappa Linne, to be precise, is a plant that belongs to the sunflower family. Growing to an average height of about 3 feet, it’s characterized by small burs that transform into eye-catching purple flowers. 

Funny enough, it’s the burs that have somewhat popularized the plant. They’re the inspiration behind the invention of hook and loop fasteners – aka velcro. 

In any case, while its flowers are a beautiful sight when in bloom, they’re not the ones that house its astonishing properties that can minimize hair loss and deliver a long list of health benefits. It’s the root that’s responsible for that. 

Used as a vegetable throughout Europe and Asia, and often regarded as a weed in North America, the burdock root is often a key ingredient in holistic medicine and homeopathic remedies. 

A Rich History and Widespread Use

Although the burdock root has only recently started regaining popularity, specifically because of its hair-nourishing properties, it has a long and rich history throughout Europe and Northern Asia. 

Burdock is known as a blood purifier that can rid your body of toxins, so it’s often the main ingredient included in traditional European plant treatments. It’s also used as a diuretic to get rid of excess water and as a topical treatment for skin irritations, eczema, psoriasis, and even acne. 

In traditional Chinese medicine, supplements with this plant have long been used to treat sore throats, infections, wounds, blood clotting, and digestive issues. Recent studies even suggest that they can be effective in battling chronic conditions like diabetes and AIDS. 

Additional research shows early signs of burdock having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. 

While more studies need to be done on its bioactive compounds to provide concrete proof of its beneficial effects on your overall health, we’ve experienced first-hand its beneficial effects on hair health. 

Inspired by our grandmother’s hair repair oil blend recipe that’s been passed down through generations, we’ve perfected the Bur Bur botanical hair treatment. Using burdock root oil as the main ingredient, the natural, organic treatment adds shine to each strand without weighing it down and promotes healthy new growth. 

Different Forms of Burdock Root 

This plant’s versatile metabolic profile can be taken in a variety of forms depending on what you’re using it for. Some of the most common forms it comes in include: 

• Powder – Dried root powder is commonly brewed into tea and is used for its digestive benefits; 
• Tincture – A concentrated extract, it’s commonly used when treating chronic conditions; 
• Oil extract – Used in topical treatments for soothing irritated skin and scalp and nourishing hair. 

As mentioned, in some regions, burdock root is considered a vegetable and is used as such. So, you might also find it cooked in dishes or even eaten in its raw form. 

The Nourishing Effects of Burdock

The benefits of taking burdock stem from an ingredient in the root called arctiin, which helps protect hair against oxidative stress and damage. The chemical makeup is primarily carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oils, and its extracts are often found in a variety of homeopathic remedies. Each of these compounds adds to its beneficial effects. 

Carbohydrates are essential for providing you with enough energy to produce keratin – the protein that your hair is made out of. Volatile oils, aka essential oils, add shine and make it soft to the touch. 

Sterols play an important part in strengthening your follicles, tannins create a protective layer that prevents breakage, and fatty oils provide nutrients that prevent hair loss and nourish your scalp. 

Although burdock root oil isn’t a magical extract that can fix all your issues after a single use, it has all the beneficial ingredients that promote better overall health. 

Burdock Oil as a Hair Treatment

Most commonly used for hair loss, the anti-inflammatory abilities of this incredible root are also thought to help with dandruff and dry scalp-related issues.

• Promotes Growth – The combination of fiber, essential fatty acids, and vitamins (particularly vitamin A) increases the amount of hair in the anagen phase, which helps promote growth.
• Soothes Scalp Irritation – Burdock root oil can help with skin irritation issues, experts note, including dandruff and an itchy scalp.
• Builds Proteins – The amino acids in the plant are great for building the protein (keratin) that creates hair.
• Nourishes – The abundant vitamin A can help nourish your skin and scalp and strengthen the hair.
• Smoothes It Out – These products can help make hair smoother and shinier and may even prevent splitting by acting as a bonding treatment.
• Helps Combat Folliculitis – This plant has antibacterial benefits and essential fatty acids that help combat folliculitis by moisturizing the skin and nourishing follicles.

Gentle yet potent extracts from burdock oil provide all the vitamins and minerals your hair needs to look and feel its best. 

How to Use Burdock Oil 

It all depends on what you want to get from it. As a general rule of thumb, use it about 2 times a week over a period of at least 2 months. 

Apply Directly on the Scalp

If you’re dealing with dandruff or skin irritations, you can apply the oil directly to your roots. Apply just a few drops then gently massage it into the skin. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, or overnight, if possible, then wash your hair thoroughly. 

Use as a Hair Mask 

If you’re dealing with dryness or have extensive hair loss, you can use burdock root oil as a hair mask. Mix a few drops with your go-to product (or make your own natural mask at home), make sure that your hair is damp, and then apply it. Leave for about 45 minutes, then wash thoroughly. 

Apply After Rinsing 

If you want your hair to be smooth, soft, and shiny long after washing it, you can apply the oil as a final rinse. After rinsing out shampoo/conditioner/mask, mix a few drops with warm water, then pour it over your hair as a final rinse. Leave to air dry and enjoy shiny, silky locks until your next wash. 

Apply as Treatment

After washing your hair, you can apply burdock oil as a treatment for your ends. Place just a drop or two of oil into your palm, then rub your palms together to heat it up. Gently massage the oil into the ends of your hair to keep it hydrated.

You can use this approach on both damp and dry hair. Just make sure to use a small amount and apply it to your ends only. Otherwise, it might start looking greasy. 

Add to Your Shampoo or Conditioner 

You can also simply add burdock root oil to your shampoo or conditioner. This is a quick and easy solution for those who have busy schedules.

Simply place a few drops into your go-to shampoo or conditioner, mix it, and continue using the products as usual. 

Use Burdock Oil For The Ultimate Hair Care

When it comes to scalp health and hair growth, it’s clear why burdock oil is a standout ingredient. In our Growing Season hair oil, burdock oil plays a key role in nurturing the scalp, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthier hair follicles for stronger, fuller hair. Rich in essential fatty acids and Vitamin A, burdock oil helps boost circulation, which supports growth from the roots and gives hair a healthier, thicker appearance over time. With its ability to soothe and balance the scalp while nourishing each strand, burdock oil is a powerful, natural solution for hair health, making Growing Season an ideal choice for anyone looking to support stronger, shinier, and more resilient hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes burdock oil beneficial for hair growth?

Burdock oil is rich in Vitamin A and essential fatty acids, which improve scalp circulation and help nourish hair follicles. This creates a healthier environment for hair growth, making hair stronger and fuller over time.

2. Can burdock oil help with scalp issues like dandruff?

Yes, burdock oil has natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, making it great for reducing scalp irritation and dandruff, which supports overall scalp health.

3. How does burdock oil in Growing Season benefit hair strength?

Burdock oil helps strengthen hair by reducing breakage and providing deep nourishment to each strand, making hair more resilient and less prone to damage.

4. Is burdock oil safe for color-treated hair?

Absolutely. Burdock oil is gentle and non-stripping, so it’s safe for color-treated hair. It helps protect the hair from environmental damage, which can also help maintain color vibrancy.

5. How often should I use products with burdock oil?

For best results, use products with burdock oil, like Growing Season, 2-3 times a week or as needed to support scalp health and hair growth. Adjust based on your hair's needs for hydration and care.