Burdock Root
Burdock Root.Also known as- Arctium lappa, gobo, poor manÍs potatoes, Arctium, Arctium minus, Arctium tomentosum, Bardana, Bardana-minor, Bardanae Radix, Bardane, Beggar's Buttons, Burr Seed, Clotbur, Cocklebur, Cockle Buttons, Edible Burdock, Fox's Clote, Great Bur, Great Burdocks, Happy Major, Hardock, Harebur, Lappa, Love Leaves, Orelha-de-gigante, Personata, Philanthropium, Thorny Burr. It has been used for centuries for a variety of reasons; a testimony to its popularity being the fact that it is mentioned in a number of Shakespeare’s plays! Because of its ability to support cleansing and detoxifying, Burdock is also an excellent herb to use to encourage a healthy skin. Burdock is well-known as an herbal blood and system supporter. Burdock supports routine detoxification carried out by the body and supports the digestive system helping to lessen common wind, non-recurrent bloating, and encouraging healthy bowel movements. It also has antibiotic and antirheumatic properties and can help to treat swelling around joints. Burdock is also useful for treating and preventing calcification - a degenerative process which can contribute to the narrowing of the spinal canal. These properties make Burdock an excellent herb for relief of sciatica caused by inflammation or sclerosis in the spinal column. Burdock is used in naturopathic medicine to treat arthritis, lumbago, rheumatism and sciatica. Introduction Burdock is a sturdy biennial plant reaching up to 6 feet (2 m) high, with 18 inch (50 cm) wide leaves forming a rosette at ground level, with smaller versions growing up the thick flowering stem. In mid-summer, the plant blossoms into a dense array of globular flowers with sticky bracts that cling to passing animals and peoples. BurdockÍs roots grow straight down as much as 3 feet (1 m) into the subsoil. The plant grows on roadsides and waste places and around field boundaries throughout Britain, Europe and North America; it is cultivated in Japan. Constituents Up to 50% inulin, polyacetylenes, volatile acids (acetic, proprionic, butyric, isovaleric), non-hydroxyl acids (lauric, myristic, stearic, palmitic), polyphenolic acids, and tannins. Parts Used The washed and dried root, powdered. Typical Preparations Chopped burdock root should be allowed to soak in water before it is boiled to make tea. Place a rounded tablespoon (6 to 8 grams) of chopped burdock root in 3 cups (750 ml) of cold water and allow to stand for at least 3 hours. Later, boil the mixture for at least an hour. Take the boiled burdock root tea off the stove and allow to cool to room temperature before straining and drinking. One cup three times a day is the usual dosage; leftover tea can be stored at room temperature for later use. This form of preparation is best when the tea is being used to treat digestive troubles. May also be taken as a capsule or extract, and mixes well with other tea infusions and decoctions. Summary There is considerable evidence in the scientific literature that burdock root tea is a powerful anti-inflammatory remedy. Its numerous antioxidants protect the liver from toxic chemicals, allowing it to process the body's naturally occurring steroids which is helpful in achieving hormonal balance. A mildly bitter herb, it stimulates the release of gastric juices and aids digestion. This combination of qualities explains its traditional use in treating acne, eczema, endometriosis, psoriasis, and uterine fibroids. The tea can also be used as a wash to treat skin infections, eczema, and psoriasis. Precautions Safe for use as a food or herb.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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