If you have ever walked through an open field and ended up with socks or pant legs covered with burrs, you have already met burdock. Officially Arctium lappa, the root, seeds, and leaves of this pant are very medicinal! A native of Europe, Asia, and North America, the burdock root has a gummy consistency and tastes sweet while the leaves are bitter, similar to dandelion. Some liken the stalks to the taste of celery.

Burdock’s active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. It contains vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C and a few other vitamins. Burdock provides significant amounts of chromium, copper, iron, and magnesium. The root also contains trace amounts of organic mercury, making it ideal for mercury detox formulas.

Historically, burdock seeds were used to make a mixture that eased pain from arthritis. It was also used to treat rheumatism, gout, ulcers, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. These seeds contain beneficial fatty acids and the oil from the seeds can increase perspiration, cleansing the body during influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders. It also helps cleans the kidneys. The burdock tea or just the leaves or tea can be used to treat poison ivy or poison oak. Some just like to eat the leaves or roots as a food.

The root is best known as a blood purifier. This may be related to its diuretic properties. Many of the ingredients in the seeds are also in the roots, like beneficial oils, iron, and inulin. The root serves as a gentle laxative and will help rid the body of uric acid. Polyacetylenes are also present in the root, substances known to fight both fungus and bacteria.

Traditionally, burdock root has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and believe it to be effective in treating barrenness and impotence.

The burdock root extract has long been used in Europe to treat dandruff and encourage healthy hair growth. To improve the condition of your hair, simply massage burdock root oil into your scalp. Also, recent studies have shown that arctigenin, a chemical in burdock, may well be effective in treating some types of cancer by slowing tumor growth. It contains Essiac and Hoxsey, both used in cancer treatment.

Burdock may be purchased as a tea, ointment, as Bur oil, or in pills. Many herbalists say it is totally safe but be sure the burdock you buy or pick is pure. Burdock looks a bit like belladonna, and this plant that can be fatally toxic.

If you have abnormal blood sugar levels, use it cautiously. It may work too good. Should pregnant women use burdock? Some say no, because may cause uterine contractions. Others disagree. Because it is such a powerful cleanser, it is best when used in combination with other herbs. If you want to use it by itself, start with small amounts. Also, it may not work immediately as a blood cleaner. Give it three months to do its work.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am and is filed under herbs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.