Burdock
Species Name: arctium lappa.
Other Names by Which Burdock is Known: Bardana, burr seed, clotbur, cocklebur, grass burdock, hardock, hareburr, hurrburr, turkey burrseed, Burdock, Niu bang zi.
Burdock was a traditional blood purifier, often combined in folk brews such as dandelion and burdock wine and it was once popular for indigestion and can also be used to lower blood sugar levels.
What is Burdock: Burdock is a root found in Europe and Asia. Known for its medicinal qualities, it been used in many herbal remedies.
The root is sweet to the taste and has a gummy consistency. Burdock is a biennial plant found along fences, walls, and roadsides, in waste places, and around populated areas.
Home Remedies using Burdock:
Benefits of Burdock:
Parts of the plants used are the leaves, seeds and the root. The leaves are generally less effective than the root, but are particularly good for stomach problems including indigestion.
Traditionally, burdock has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic.
In modern times, burdock is also used in oncology and to treat many other serious health problems.
Uses of Burdock:
Burdock is used to relieve stomach problems including indigestion. The roots are traditionally used as a mild laxative, diuretic, promote sweating, anti-rheumatic and antibiotic.
The seeds are traditionally used to prevent fever, reduce inflammation, as an antibacterial, and to reduce blood sugar levels. The leaves are traditionally used as a mild laxative and diuretic.
Burdock roots can be used as a decoction for skin disorders, especially boils, sores and dry, scaling eczema.
Burdock tinctures are traditionally used in combination with arthritic, digestive herbs, such as yellow dock to detoxify the system and stimulate the digestion.
A Burdock wash can be used to prevent acne and fungal skin infections like athlete's foot and ringworm.
Burdock Leaves can be used as infusions to treat indigestion, and are generally taken in a wine glass full before meals.
Infused oil of Burdock is traditionally made using a hot infusion for varicose ulcers.
Burdock seeds are traditionally used for feverish colds with sore throat and cough.
Burdock is widely available as teas, ointments, or pills.
Side Effects of Burdock:
Use of burdock root in the dosages listed here is generally safe. However, burdock root in large quantities may stimulate the uterus and therefore should be used with caution during pregnancy.
Do not use burdock if you are suffering from diarrhea. It is important to make sure that Burdock is pure.
Some reports have indicated that burdock had toxic properties, when cases of illness involving Burdock tea was reported, but further analysis showed that the illness was the result of impure burdock root, which had become contaminated by belladonna, which contains atropine.
It is important to be certain your herbs come from reputable sources.
