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BURDOCK ROOT
Burdock (Arctium lappa) resembles broad-leafed Dock with burrs (seed pods), hence the name. Burdock is native to China, but now grows wild in Europe and America. The biennial plants have long, woolly leaves and purple flowers. The carrot-like root has an inner fleshy part covered with wrinkly brown cork; the inner part is harvested in September.
Recorded use of Burdock dates back to the 14th century, when it was used to treat leprosy. It is mentioned in three of Shakespeare's plays. Until recently, Native Americans used it for food. While the root tastes bitter, the young stalks are boiled and eaten like asparagus, especially in Japan. Burdock has many other uses, including the Chicken Pox Bath Soak (recipe below).
II. HEALING BENEFITS
Burdock root is a famous detoxifying agent. Its diuretic effect helps the kidneys quickly filter impurities from the blood. The volatile oils in burdock promote sweating to further eliminate toxins through the skin. Burdock increases circulation to the skin, helping to detoxify
skin tissue. This purification removes the burden from the kidneys and liver. Burdock also contains a carbohydrate called inulin, which strengthens the liver.
Burdock's ability to flush impurities from the body has several positive consequences. It purifies the blood without side effects. When the body is in balance, indicators of ill health, such as chronic skin problems,
disappear. The detoxification effect relieves acne and boils on the face and neck. Burdock is also used for skin conditions that result in dry and scaly skin, such as psoriasis and eczema.
The polyacetylenes in burdock inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. This prevents infections, especially skin infections, cystitis, colds and flu. Inulin is a powerful immune system regulator; it is thought to
attach to the surface of white blood cells and make them work better. In animal studies, inulin activated immune cells to attack cancer cells. Burdock also contains copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, biotin, zinc, iron, amino acids, mucilage, and vitamins B1, B6, B12, and E.
III. HOW TO USE BURDOCK ROOT
Make a Decoction (Burdock tea): place l teaspoonful of the root into a cup of water, bring to boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. Drink 1 cup, three times a day.
Make a Tincture: soak 1 cup dried burdock root in high-proof vodka to cover, in an airtight jar. Shake daily for three weeks, then strain. Take ½ teaspoon three times a day.
In large quantities, Burdock root may stimulate the uterus, stimulate lymph flow or cause a skin reaction. Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar level, as inulin is a sugar. Do not take burdock if you have
had your gallbladder removed.
IV. CHICKEN POX BATH SOAK
Place 1 cup burdock root into a saucepan of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Add all but ½ cup of the tea to a warm (not hot) bath and soak. The tea will soothe irritated skin and help draw the
sores. After your bath, make a compress with the reserved tea and apply to the affected area. This soak works for most boils, and for boil-type acne.
Burdock
Botanical Name: Arctium lappa
Plant Family: Compositae
Common Names: Bardana, Beggar's Buttons, Burr Seed, Cockle Burr, Fox's Clote, Lappa, Lappa minor, Thorny Burr
Origin: It grows wild in England in damp waste places, by roadsides and near old buildings.
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. Culpepper says that this herb 'is under Venus and you may draw the womb which way you plerase, 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...'
Tradition: Burdock is added to potpourri in the house used in protective amulets and sachets to ward off all sorts of negativity
Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, root and fruit (seeds)
Contains:
fixed oils
inulin
Lappin (bitter, crystalline glucoside)
mucilage
resin
starch (root)
sugar
tannic acid
volatile oils
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] antiscorbutic [a source of Vitamin C for curing or preventing scurvy] 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]
mucilaginous [characterized by a gummy or gelatinous consistency]
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]
Burdock Root
is used for....
Gastrointestinal Conditions
stimulates the digestive organs
stomach ailments
A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for:
indigestion strengthening and toning the stomach
Female Conditions
A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for:
building the systems of young women
Genitourinary Conditions
bladder pain
fluid retention
gout
stimulates the eliminatory organs
Glandular Conditions
swollen glands
Inflammatory Conditions
inflammations
rheumatic conditions
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]
Respiratory Tract Conditions and Other
asthma
boils
certain cancers
eczema
fevers
neutralizes and eliminates poisons from the system
sciatica
scurvy
skin diseases
It works well alone or combined with Yellow Dock and Sarsaparilla for skin conditions
A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for:
clearing persistent teenage acne if taken for three to four weeks
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
Fruit (seeds) are used in:
chronic skin conditions
kidney conditions caused by a derangement of the nervous system
restoring smoothness to the skin
Source Unknown
Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
-- Unknown
Flies and moths dislike Lavender oil. Sprinkle it on the outside of your window frames.
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