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Information about the herb Burdock
Arctium Lappa , also known as Burr Seed is part of the Compositae plant family. Burdock is a common weed native to England, Europe and Northern Asia and grows in damp waste places, by roadsides and near old buildings. It is also widespread throughout the United States.
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Botanical Name: Arctium lappa
Plant Family: Compositae (Burdock is a member of the thistle family)
Common Names: Bardana, Beggar's Buttons, Burr Seed, Cockle Burr, Fox's Clote, Lappa, Lappa minor, Thorny Burr
History: The word arctium comes from the Greek arktos, 'to bear' and lappa, 'to seize' or the Celtic llap, 'a hand'. The word Burdock comes from French bourre which is from the Latin burra, 'a lock of wool' and 'dock' from its large leaves.
Burdock was a valued herb during the Middle Ages.
Culpepper says that this herb 'is under Venus and you may draw the womb which way you please, either upwards by applying it to the crown of the head ... or downwards...by applying it to the soles of the feet;....stay in its place, apply it to the navel...'
The roots and seeds of Burdock were used in Native American herbal medicine.
Tradition: Burdock is
- added to potpourri in the house
- used in protective amulets and sachets to ward off all sorts of negativity
Contains:
- carbohydrates
- fatty oils
- fixed oils
- inulin
- Lappin (bitter, crystalline glucoside)
- mucilage
- plant sterols
- resin
- starch (root)
- sugar
- tannic acid
- tannins
- volatile oils
Fruit (seeds):
- affects the sebaceous and sudorific glands
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
- relaxant
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Action:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- anti-inflammatory [an agent to ease inflammation]
- antiscorbutic [a source of Vitamin C for curing or preventing scurvy]
- antioxidant [contributing to the oxidation of free radicals which are believed to contribute to premature aging and dementia]
- aperient [a mild stimulant producing a natural movement of the bowels; a gentle purgative]
- blood purifier [agent to purify blood]
- cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
- demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- disinfectant [an agent that cleanses infection by destroying or inhibiting the activity of disease-producing micro-organisms; antiseptic]
- laxative [an agent promoting evacuation of the bowels; a mild purgative]
- mucilaginous [characterized by a gummy or gelatinous consistency]
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, root and fruit (seeds)
Burdock Root is used for:
Blood Conditions
- clears toxins from the bloodstream
Female Conditions
A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for:
- building the systems of young women
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- constipation
- digestive system ailments and complaints
- stimulates the digestive organs
- stomach ailments
A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for:
- indigestion
- strengthening and toning the stomach
Genitourinary Conditions
- bladder pain
- fluid retention
- may be helpful for kidney stones
- promotes the excretion of urine
- stimulates the eliminatory organs
Glandular Conditions
- swollen glands
Inflammatory Conditions
- arthritis
- inflammations
- gout
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatic conditions, characterized by:
- joint discomfort
- loss of mobility
- rheumatism
- rheumatoid arthritis
Liver Conditions
- hepatitis
- jaundice
- liver problems
- stimulates secretion of bile
A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used as
- a very effective liver cleanser and stimulator [combined with Dandelion root]
Metabolic Conditions
- diabetes
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- asthma
Skin Conditions
- Burdock works well alone or combined with Yellow Dock and Sarsaparilla for skin conditions
- acne (tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for clearing persistent teenage acne if taken for three to four weeks)
- boils
- contact dermatitis
- eczema
- promotes perspiration
- psoriasis
- relieves skin problems
- scalp conditions
- wounds
A poultice of Burdock draws out infections and toxins under the skin
Other Conditions
- certain cancers
- fevers
- neutralizes and eliminates poisons from the system
- sciatica
- scurvy, caused by vitamin C deficiency, resulting in:
- bleeding
- gum disease
- weakness
Externally it is used as a wash for:
- abscesses
- acne
- all manner of swellings
- boils
- catarrh
- hair growth, especially with Blind Nettle
- scaly skin conditions
- syphilis
- ulcers
Externally the leaves are applied as a poultice:
for
gouty swellings
for old sores and ulcers
for shrinking arteries and sinews
for tumors
to relieve bruises
to relieve inflamed surfaces in general
Poultices for external use of Burdock
When wrapped in place, the poultice draws out infection and toxins under the skin. Poultices should be applied twice daily.
Soak a cloth in the liquid from tea or extract and when cooled, wrap the cloth around affected skin area or wound. A poultice can also be made from mashed, cooked herb and root and can be applied to the affected area as a wet paste.
Fruit (seeds) are used in:
- chronic skin conditions
- kidney conditions caused by a derangement of the nervous system
- restoring smoothness to the skin
Dosage:
- Dried root: Tea - 2-6 gm steeped in hot 500 mL boiling water, drink 3/day
- Fluid extract (1:5) 10-25mL per week
Caution:
- Irritation of the skin can occur when handling Burdock
- Pregnant or nursing women should avoid burdock as it may cause damage to the fetus
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Burdock without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
- None noted
Global Herbal Supplies has Burdock available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
