Seeing that Integrative Medicine is making great crossroads into the American healthcare system, I decided to write an article discussing this. It was published in Lotus Guide, April/May/June 2015 issue.
I also cover this warning: “Americans: Do NOT Assume OTC Drugs Are Safe!”
2015: Current State of Integrative Medicine in the U.S.
Thanks to John Weeks, of the Integrator Blog whose great posts gave me the inspiration for this for article too (see references in article)!
Research shows that Burdock root, or Niu Bang Gen as it is known in Chinese herbal medicine, is great for protecting the liver from the effects of Acetaminophen (Brand name: Tylenol).1 So if one takes Tylenol, even occasionally, it is best to also take Burdock root at the same time. This way you can prevent the toxicity of this drug on the liver.
Tylenol or Acetaminophen is also found in the pharmaceutical Vicodin (along with Hydrocodone Bitartrate).
If one takes Tylenol or Acetaminophen regularly for mild pain and headaches, consider trying safer herbal remedies to help instead. Since Tylenol is very hepatotoxic (toxic to Liver), it is highly recommended to avoid the use of Tylenol whenever possible. When severe pain occurs, consider trying other herbal pain management as well. In this case, one should consult with an integrative medical professional such as an Acupuncturist/Clinical Herbalist or Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.) for a proper diagnosis based on integrative medicine principles to prescribe the correct herbal combinations for you.
The typical dosage for a patient to take is 1-3 grams/day. A higher dosage could be tolerated, but because this herb is both bitter and cold in nature, it could cause loose stool or diarrhea in certain people (especially those that are already prone to this). This is just a simple example of how discussing your specific case or constitution with a qualified natural medicine professional will help you use herbal medicinals correctly.
1. Chen, John K. and Tina T. Chen, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, p. 71. (Research article: Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced liver damage, American Journal of Chinese Medicine.)
Herbs “more helpful” than drugs for period pain
Note that most of these herbs are in a traditional Chinese herbal formula for PMS symptoms, including dysmenorrhea (painful periods), called Xiao Yao Wan (available at any acupuncturist’s office).