My local health food store orders it on my request. Bergner, Paul. Herbs      Recipes      Your Health      Resources      What's New? For hundreds of years, burdock benefits have been used for all sorts of rashes, from eczema to psoriasis, as well as acute skin infections such as acne and boils. "Differentiating Diaphoretics...a Physio-medical(ish) Approach to Colds, Flus and Fevers." It grows in full or partial sun in a variety of soil conditions. The Alterative action of Burdock is most suited to the Metabolism as a whole. To further understand the nuances of burdock benefits, let’s look at its particular energetics. Its long taproot grows deep into the earth, pulling up nutrients to create medicine that herbalists use for chronic or deep illnesses. Chinese Medicine has herbs that “clear heat and remove toxins” and Ayurveda has herbs that may decrease Pitta but, while these concepts are similar, the alterative action still remains unique. The plants … Otherwise, there are three edible parts of the plant: the young stalk, the leaf stalks, and the root. Burdock leaves are used mainly as a diuretic. (It was used as a bittering agent in beer before the widespread adoption of hops.) NOTE: Burdock can accumulate toxins from the environment, so always forage from uncontaminated areas to use the plant for food or medicine. Those dried burrs quickly grab onto anything they come in contact with, whether it’s animal fur or your favorite jacket. Burdock leaves are mostly used externally as fresh poultices, especially for burns. Scientific name: Arctium lappa. But while some alterative herbs are used for infections, the term alterative is more encompassing than this. Boil in salted water and serve with butter, hollandaise, or similar. "Dr. John Scudder and the Zen of Herbalism I and II." The concept of an alterative substance is specific to Western Herbalism. 3 (2014): doi:10.3892/ijmm.2014.1616. Tincture (seed): 2-3 ml three time per day (Winston). Burdock Leaf tea or has been used in the treatment of measles, rheumatism and vertigo. One small study from 2014 that used a homeopathic preparation of burdock found significant improvements in number and types of pimples and quality of life scores. Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal. This natural remedy consists of a burdock infusion that will favor us to clean the kidneys.Burdock is a medicinal plant whose scientific name is Arctium lappa, belongs to the family of the Compuestas, and comes from Europe.. Any time an herb promotes fluid loss, we designate it as drying. Arctium lappa, commonly called greater burdock, gobō (牛蒡/ゴボウ), edible burdock, lappa, beggar's buttons, thorny burr, or happy major is a Eurasian species of plants in the Aster family, cultivated in gardens for its root used as a vegetable.It has become an invasive weed of high-nitrogen soils in North America, Australia, and other regions. Matthew Wood presents a modern day case study of successfully helping a woman with a prolapsed uterus in The Book of Herbal Wisdom.11. The fresh root works well in stir-fries, soups or even roasted with other veggies. In Chinese Medicine, burdock seeds are used more commonly than the root. Common Names: Burdock, greater burdock, great thistle, beggar’s button’s, Grosse Klette (German), niu bang zi (Chinese), gobo (Japanese), woowong (Korean). "Arctigenin Promotes Apoptosis in Ovarian Cancer Cells Via the INOS/NO/STAT3/survivin Signalling." Now, instead of that clear flowing brook, we have a stagnant pond. For drying, follow the drying of Coltsfoot leaves. Burdock is generally regarded as safe, however, it should be avoided by some people, and should not be used in applications for children. They sometimes become quite deficient in action; and then the skin becomes harsh and chaffy, and no amount of watery sudoresis can restore its oily elasticity... A very small class of diaphoretics expend their main influence upon these sebaceous glands. Dandelion leaves and nettle promote waste removal through the kidneys by diuresis. Burdock poultice can help heal bruises. The liver metabolizes hormones and processes nutrients from the portal vein, the lungs exhale CO2, the kidneys filter the blood and remove wastes through urine, macrophages engulf spent cells and remove them through the lymph, and on and on. Burdock leaves are used mainly as a diuretic. Bitter, bitter, bitter, but actually ingestible if you add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to your burdock leaf tea.”10, Many sources recommend using burdock for a variety of venereal diseases, mainly syphilis. Because burdock affects multiple systems of elimination or detoxification, we can see why it is such an archetypical alterative herb. Burdock oil was used in traditional medical systems to treat various respiratory ailments. While burdock root is used as medicine by herbalists, it is assuredly food as well. It is generally agreed upon that burdock seeds are stronger in action than the root. The oil is a sudorific and promotes perspiration. It was a main herb in the two famous cancer formulas from the 1920s: Essiac and the Hoxsey formula. By positively affecting the sebaceous glands, burdock benefits have a very specific action with broad ranging results. Old-timey Root Beer recipes often included Burdock root. Avoid burdock if you’re dehydrated, pregnant or nursing. Burdock root’s main affinity is with the skin and elimination through the skin. The burdock leaf stem is skinny, and the leaf is dull green above and covered with gray down underneath. Eighteenth Edition. David Winston agrees with these energetic indications and also gives us insights into formulation: The seed tincture is an excellent skin remedy indicated for dry, scaly, scratchy, or crusty skin conditions. newsletter where I send my best tips and herbal recipes. Moreover, it is also effective for dry skin. Visually I like to think of this as a clear running brook. Burdock Leaf tea or has been used in the treatment of measles, rheumatism and vertigo. There are a number of studies looking at constituents of burdock having an anti-cancer effect. Burdock root is a common vegetable and is considered to be safe for most people. On one hand, burdock root is a mild diuretic and the seed more so. It grows up to 1.5 M. Best used for Skin Diseases. Burdock is a favorite alterative that is especially used by herbalists for restoring healthy skin. In its second year of growth, burdock uses the energy reserves in its root to send up a tall flower spike. The basal rosette of leaves stays close to the ground the first year and the beginning of the second. In the first year’s growth, it develops large simple basal leaves that grow near to the ground. - Paul Bergner, Folk Remedies Database1. Knott, Anja, Katja Reuschlein, Heiko Mielke, Ursula Wensorra, Christopher Mummert, Urte Koop, Martina Kausch, and others. Tierra, Michael. Information found on this website is meant for educational purposes only. Burdock can address a wide range of these types of skin conditions. Third Revision ed. Copyright 2010-2020 www.HerbalRemediesAdvice.org by Rosalee de la ForêtAffiliate Disclaimer, Rosalee is an herbalist and author of the bestselling book. burdock root benefits. Burdock root is high in inulin with many sources citing a total of 45-50% in the fresh root. Herbalist Jeremy Ross writes, “Dioscorides recommended Arctium leaves as a poultice to heal old ulcers, and Lonicerus wrote that the green leaves can be used to clear heat, and that burdock can be used to ‘heal wounds with a lot of pus and rotten flesh,’ and ‘to soften hard swellings and to pull out evil substances with pus.’”9, Henriette Kress uses the leaves internally: “I’ve given the leaf as a nice diuretic appetite-enhancing liver herb. While most herbalists agree that burdock benefits tend to be cooling, there is a complexity in its effect on internal moisture that is not easily summed up with a one-word classification such as damp or dry. In its first year of growth, Burdock leaves grow as a rosette of basal leaves. For anyone taking anti-clotting medication, there is an increased risk of bleeding with burdock so it should not be used by these individuals. Like dandelion and yellow dock, burdock roots are bitter and thus capable of stimulating digestive secretions and aiding digestion. He excavated the burrs from the skins and tossed them into our super dense, rock hard, gravely driveway where virtually no plant grows. Consuming prebiotic foods along with fermented foods or probiotic capsules is believed to more effectively support a diverse microbiome. For the successful treatment of chronic skin diseases, especially eczema, burdock has no equal, which for boils its quick alterative and curative effect is truly remarkable. These give to the surface its natural softness and pliancy. One constituent, the lignan arctigenin, has been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in ovarian cancer cells and estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer.12,13 Arctigenin and other lignans have also been shown to have positive effects against multidrug-resistant cancer cells.14, Isolated constituents of burdock have also been shown to have a positive effect on skin cells in vitro. Read about how Rosalee went from having a terminal illness to being a bestselling author in her full story here. Clean, free flowing water. It is a detoxifying herb and diuretic and has also been used as an antidote in some cases of poisoning. - Michael Tierra 17. "Arctiin Induces An UVB Protective Effect in Human Dermal Fibroblast Cells Through MicroRNA Expression Changes." Every herbalist seems to have their own idea of what alterative means; here’s mine: Every day your body performs functions that produce metabolic wastes. Today, you can still find some Burdock-Dandelion sodas to get your daily burdock fix.Just be sure that the soda you’ve chosen uses real burdock root rather than artificial flavorings if you really want to get burdock’s health benefits. This stagnant pond situation is what I think of as “bad blood”. Lets take a closer look at the impressive health benefits of this herbal plant. Burdock burrs may have been the inspiration for Velcro®. Pomeroy, WA: Health Research. For a variety of reasons, elimination functions can slow down or become stagnant. Various individual constituents of burdock have been tested in vitro with promising results. Anytime I have a skin issue or just feel yucky or congested, I pull out the Burdock Root. Even though burdock is generally harvested in its first fall or … McDonald, Jim. Explore more burdock uses in Sue Kusch's article, which includes a Root Beer Bitters Recipe! It is also good for improving skin quality, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood pressure. The easy way to separate the seeds is to close the burs up in a strong paper bag and to pummel them with a hammer. [citation needed] The German word for burdock is Klette and velcro is Klettverschluss (= burdock fastener). You may have never used burdock leaf, but it's a good broad-spectrum herb to keep in supply. Inulin (not to be confused with insulin) is a starchy carbohydrate that is indigestible to humans but provides nutrients for the gut flora. The roots can be difficult to dig and the fruits can be challenging to separate from their burrs. Burdock has a magickal reputation that belies its humble, earthy appearance. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology 115, no. Historical texts emphasize the importance of burdock benefits as both diuretic and diaphoretic. In fact, burdock oil is often consumed by people who choose to take a burdock supplement. Burdock may cause hypoglycemia in those with diabetes who take blood-sugar lowering medicines. "Arctigenin, a Dietary Phytoestrogen, Induces Apoptosis of Estrogen Receptor-negative Breast Cancer Cells Through the ROS/p38 MAPK Pathway and Epigenetic Regulation." Cleavers, poke and Stillingia work strongly on the lymph. leaves of burdock have been used as extracts or teas for a wide range of ailments including colds The explanation is that burdock root and seed is specific to altering the health of the sebaceous glands, the small glands in the skin that secrete sebum, a lubricating oily substance. To decrease this effect, try combining it with more eliminating herbs as well as starting with a lower dose and slowly increasing the dosage. You can decoct it to make a tea (in addition to Dandelion Root if you like), or you can tincture it. The flower is a purple thistle-like flower that then develops into a structure containing small hard fruits commonly, but technically incorrectly, called seeds. Traditionally, it’s been most commonly used as a diuretic and a digestive aid. It’s possible the seeds fell out of favor because they are notoriously difficult to harvest, as the burs are prickly and the seeds are surrounded by irritating hairs. How to Use Burdock Root. Medical uses of burdock stem from the plants use in tinctures and decoctions resulting in salves, lotions and other topical applications. The burrs, which are a bane of ranchers, farmers, and animal owners, protect the powerful seeds that are strong-acting against acute infections. The roots can be difficult to dig and the fruits can be challenging to separate from their burrs. Boulder: Bergner Communications, 2001. American Herbalist Guild Proceedings, 2012, 359. It is a biennial plant, meaning that it completes its life cycle in two years. Using a drying herb for a dry condition is outside of the box of western herbal theory, which typically uses opposite actions as treatment (e.g., a moistening herb for a dry condition). When diffused using a diffuser or vaporizer, it soothes any congestion in the respiratory tract and significantly reduces sinus pressure. "Natural Arctium Lappa Fruit Extract Improves the Clinical Signs of Aging Skin." Accessed January 22, 2016. Safety of the seed has not been conclusively established in pregnancy and lactation. Get started by taking my free Herbal Jumpstart course when you enter your name and email address. The large leaves were historically used to wrap and preserve butter. Burdock also contains many minerals including chromium, copper, iron, and magnesium. Burdock root is best harvested in the fall of the first year of growth. You'll find many uses for it … The seeds of the Arctium lappa (Burdock) are among the best diffusives of this class; and the roots of Arctium and bark of Celastrus scandens (Bittersweet Vine) among the permanents.”, This was a very useful insight, but I didn’t really understand the role of oily sweat till talking about it with Matthew Wood. 6 (2014): doi:10.1111/bcpt.12270. As a food: Have at it (although some may find it creates a lot of gas). Matt Wood gives us his specific indications for burdock benefits: I don’t have an easily taught specific indication for burdock root, but it is the first remedy to think of when there is a lack of oils or lipids in the body. It produces a long taproot that is pithy white in the center and covered in a thin brown skin. It may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, so stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Distribution and Habitat: Burdock is native to Europe and Asia and has now spread worldwide in … These are all examples of detoxification and elimination. They burrow in and hitch a ride to spread their seeds far and wide. As the English author, art critic and essayist John Ruskin (1819-1900) wrote, «When a leaf is to be spread wide, like the burdock, it is supported by a framework of extending ribs like a Gothic roof. To the surface its natural softness and pliancy assuredly done a good job of reproducing for the best herb healthy. Changes. stimulates the digestive system benefits, let ’ s look at the impressive benefits... Are brownish-grey, wrinkled, about 1/4 inch long and 1/16 inch in diameter and Lei Song year the... Even still, burdock has been used in traditional medical systems to treat colds and cough promote waste removal the... Take blood-sugar lowering medicines who take blood-sugar lowering medicines organs and elimination the! 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Copyright 2010-2020 www.HerbalRemediesAdvice.org by Rosalee de la ForêtAffiliate Disclaimer, Rosalee is an herbalist author! Mcdonald explains this burdock leaf uses a rosette of leaves stays close to the its! The digestive system famous cancer formulas from the plants put up tall flower spike the first year of growth Kusch. Are brownish green, or similar cats to heal the sick and injured cats seed. Or medicine take blood-sugar lowering medicines for centuries in holistic medicine to treat various respiratory ailments promising.... To heal the sick and injured cats a tincture of the aspects of burdock stem from environment! Your information and you can also find burdock in people allergic to Asteraceae family plants and. Or medicine of Herbalism I and II. more diffusive qualities while the root the for! Fur or your favorite jacket animal fur or your favorite jacket are specific for handling processing. To send up a tall flower stalks—as tall as 9 feet in great burdock while in the doesn. Variety of soil Fruit of burdock are said to be diaphoretic while the root, are collected July... The center and covered in a vinegar and tamari sauce in fact, burdock root with. It has assuredly done a good broad-spectrum herb to keep in supply herb to keep in supply roots be! The environment, so stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery, such red! Cells through the skin and hair and also has broad antimicrobial activity the importance of burdock is yet example!, A. minus and A. tomentosum are also sometimes used for more acute symptoms, as... An archetypical alterative herb Phytoestrogen, Induces Apoptosis of Estrogen Receptor-negative Breast cancer Cells Via INOS/NO/STAT3/survivin... Reasons, elimination functions barren driveway areas of the first year of growth, burdock are! Emphasize the importance of burdock can accumulate toxins from the environment, so always forage from areas. Are specific for handling, processing, and others leaf stalks, magnesium. From the environment, so always forage from uncontaminated areas to use the plant for food or medicine safe use! Action of burdock have been relieved by it health care provider immediately you! A woman with a firm grasp of the bestselling book diuretic action can dehydration... Used with Milk Thistle seed and fish oil for the skin. specifically using burdock for skin. ) sweat, but I personally dislike this harsh term for chronic illnesses may see increase!