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Burdock
CAUTION! PREGNANT women need to AVOID this herb!! Medicinal Properties: Alterative, diuretic, bitter, laxative, tonic, vulnerary, antibacterial and antifungal. MEDICINAL: Burdock Root is used to treat skin diseases, boils, fevers, inflammations, hepatitis, swollen glands, some cancers, and fluid retention. It is an excellent blood purifier. A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is also used for indigestion. Very useful for building the systems of young women. Helps clear persistent teenage acne if taken for three to four weeks. Used with dandelion root for a very effective liver cleanser and stimulator. The seeds, (called niu bang zi by the Chinese), when taken internally, will help dispel "wind and heat evils". The seeds will also reduce blood sugar levels. If you have a BLOOD SUGAR PROBLEM, see your physician before munching on these. Be aware that the root is more powerful than the leaf. Uses in Folklore: Used since the 14th century, by the Ojibway Indians, for treating cancer and ulcers. Burdock has antibacterial and antifungal properties: contains Vitamin A, selenium and chromium, and it helps regulate blood sugar levels and acts as an antioxidant. Burdock contains biotin, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, volatile oils, sulfur, tannins, three B vitamins, and vitamin E. Uses: Japanese: Studies show that it helps to prevent and slow mutations and cancer. Burrs (unripe): Kidneys (infections or to tone) (leaves can also be used, but not as good). Leaves: Eaten as green vegetables; Acne, Boils, Bruises, Burns,
Diuretic, Eruptions, Fevers (low), Fungus, Pimples, Ringworm, Sores,
Stomachic, Swelling, Tumors Fresh, bruised: Poultice for: Burns, Fever,
Poison ivy, Poison oak, Sores, Ulcers Roots: Acne, Alterative, Eczema, Hair loss, Jaundice, Skin (problems, scaly), Ulcers. Contain inulin and protein Seeds: Abscesses, Alterative, Antiseptic, Bites (insect, snake), Boils, Bronchitis, Chicken pox, Constipation, Coughing, Diuretic, Fever, Flu, Kidneys (tonic), Lungs (congestion), Measles (early stages), Pneumonia, Scarlet fever, Scrofula, Skin (lesions), Small pox, Sties, Throats (red, sore, swollen) Crushed: Poultice for: Bruises, Burns, Sores, Ulcers External: Roots and leaves: Eczema, Psoriasis Leaves: (Bruised and shredded then folded into eggwhites that
have been stffly beaten): Burns Internal: Acne, Arthritis, Asthma, Blood Purifier, Boils, Bursitis, Canker sores, Chicken pox, Eczema, Gall stones, Gout, Itching, Kidney problems, Liver problems, Psoriasis, Tonic, Ulcers, Veneral dieases Homeopathic: Acne, Bunions, Dupuytren's contracture, Eczema serpeginosa, Eruptions, Glands, Gonnorrhea, Gout, Impotence, Itching, Leukorrhea, Phosphaturia, Psoriasis, Rheumatism, Ringworm, Scrofula, Sterility, Ulcers, Uterus (prolapsed) Burdock oil: Hair tonic (supposedly works only if hair follicles are dormant, not destroyed.) Contains: Niacin (seeds), Vit. C, Iron, 27-45% Inulin, 12% Protein, 70% Carbohydrate, some vit. A, P, & B complex, Vit. E, PABA, small amount Sulphur, Silicon, Copper, Iodine, Zinc, Plant steroids (small amounts) Contraindications: Don't use if open sores are present or in the later stages of measles, or if you have excess stomach acid, irritable bowels, or ulcers or are experiencing diarrhea or heartburn. Leaves could irritate the skin. Root decoction or infusion can cause constipation in some people. Can cause heartburn and upset stomach in rare cases. Large amounts can cause diarrhea and upset stomach. It should also be avoided by pregnant women as it is a uterine stimulant. DON'T CONFUSE LEAVES with the TOXIC leaves of Rhubarb! RELIGIOUS: Used to ward off all sorts of negativity, making it invaluable for protective amulets and sachets. Add to potpourri in the house. Steep a handful of this herb in a bucket of water for washing floors. This wards off negativity, purifies and protects. A sprig was worn by Medieval knights when going into battle to protect them from evil spirits. Used to ward off all sorts of negativity, making it invaluable for protective amulets and sachets and potpourri for the home. Add to protection incenses and spells. Harvesting: Roots: Are usually harvested in early spring or late fall. Burdock enjoys growing in rocky areas or places where it's hard to get to the roots. The roots manage to twist themselves into every nook and cranny making it -very- dificult to harvest. One of my teachers has Burdock growing from under her solid cement back steps which she's tried to remove for years and talked her apprentices into the challenge. It has yet to be removed! CUT the root up before drying, otherwise it dries out and is like cement! Seeds: Easier (but not by too much) than collecting the roots is the collection of the seeds. Recommended method: Tie any long hair back and under a cap or hat. I prefer to go bare-handed; a little torn skin is less hassle than trying to remove burrs that have become enmeshed in your gloves. Cut off mature (brown and dead-looking) burrs with scissors and place immediately into a paper bag (about lunch bag size). Step away from the burdock and shake the bag vigorously for a couple minutes. Carefully remove the burrs and you'll have some seeds left in the bag. When collecting the seeds from the burrs, the burrs themselves may cause skin irritation, plus the added irritation of sticking to -everything-, including skin. IN ADDITION (as if Burdock wasn't nasty enough) the inside of the burrs contain tiny little splinters, so if you're adventurous enough to cut open the burrs and remove seeds manually (VERY not recommended!), be warned. The splinters are nastier than the burrs; they get everywhere, need tweezers to remove, and need good lighting and a magnifying glass to see. In spite of all this, I still love this plant and have to admire it for its stubbornness and wonderful healing properties.
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Arctium lappa<latin/botanical>