Update on Burdock

Additional Information on Burdock

Family: Asteraceae. (Daisy Family).

Uses: Hypoglycaemic activity.

Burdock has a two-year growth cycle. In the first year it has large basal leaves that are woolly and more grey colour on the underside of the leaves, greener on top of the leaves. In the second year it puts out a flower stalk that eventually will turn into incredibly persistent burrs that are the bane of animal owners. These burrs are said to be the inspiration for velcro. The root is best dug in the autumn of the first year., the seed in the second year. Leaves and stems in either year. It is good for a wayside snack by eating the young flower stalks, simply peel off the outer layer and consume like celery stalks.

Burdock has been used as a folk-cancer remedy in places as far apart as China, India, Chile, Canada, Indiana and Russia. It has been suggested for tumours of the breast, glands, intestines, knee, hip, liver, stomach, tongue and uterus. Some say all cancers. Recommended for corns and warts.

Homoeopaths prescribe the tincture of the fresh root for acne, bunions, eczema, Dupuytren’s contraction,serpiginosa, eruptions, glandular afflictions, gonorrhoea, gout, impotence, leucorrhoea, phosphaturia, rheumatism, ringworm, scrofula, sterility,ulcers and uteral prolapse.

Orientals use the seed for abscesses, acne, constipation, oedema, ‘flu, flatulence, measles, scarlet fever, smallpos and snake bite. Chinese herbalists consider its roots to be ‘lightly warming, moistening effect and an excellent tonic for the lungs and liver. It stimulates toxic waste through the skin and urine, improving digestion and excellent for arthritis and rheumatism.

It is used by the Meskwaki indians for women in labour.

Stalks, cut before flowering and stripped of their rinds, are eaten like asparagus, or used in salad with oil and vinegar. Formerly they were candied like Angelica. New sprouts rising from the roots in spring are eaten raw or cooked after peeling as a vegetable. Roots, containing about 45% inulin, are eaten boiled in salty water and topped with butter or sauce.

The root contains polyacetylenes that give the herb its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Burdock has been used for the following complaints:-
Abscess; Acne; Age spots; Ageing; AIDS; Alcoholism; Allergies; Aluminium toxicity; Arthritis, Backache; Bulimia; Boil; Bladder infection (Cystitis); Breast Cancer, Chickenpox; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Cirrhosis of the liver; Crohn’s Disease; Cadmium toxicity; Cancer.

Environmental toxicity.
Fibroids, Uterine; Fibromyalgia syndrome.
Gout.
Headache; Hearing loss; Hepatitis.
Nail problems.
Oily skin.
Pancreatitis; Parkinson’s disease; Psoriasis.
Rheumatic fever; Rosacea.
Sebaceous cyst; Shingles (Herpes zoster); Sinusitis; Smoking dependancy.
Tumours.
Ulcerative colitis.
Wilson’s disease; Wrinkling of the skin.

FRUITS. These affect the sebaceous glands and sudorific glands.
They are 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.

ROOT. Burdock root is used for:-
Blood conditions – clears toxins from the blood stream.
Female conditions – helps build the system in young womem.
Gastrointestinal – constipation.
– Digestive system ailments.
– Stimulates the digestion.
– Stomach ailments.
Tea from the leaves – indigestion.
Strengthen and toning the system.
Genitourinary conditions – Bladder pain.
– Fluid retention.
– often helpful for Kidney stones.
– promotes the excretion of urine.
– stimulates the excretory organs.

Glandular conditions. – swollen glands.
Inflammatory conditions. – arthritis.
– gout.
– osteoarthritis.
Rheumatics – joint discomfort.
– loss of mobility.
– rheumatoid arthritis.
Liver conditions. – hepatitis.
– jaundice.
– general liver problems.
– stimulates secretion of bile.
Burdock Leaf tea. – a very effective liver cleanser and stimulator.

Combine with Dandelion root.

Metabolic conditions. – diabetes.

Respiratory tract – asthma.

Skin conditions. – works well alone or with Yellow Dock or Sarsaparilla.

Skin conditions – acne
– boils.
– contact dermatitis.
– Eczema.
– Promotes perspiration.
– Psoriasis use seed as well.
– Scalp conditions.
– Wounds.

A poultice of Burdock draws out infections and toxins.

Other Conditions. – Certain cancers.
– Fevers.
– Sciatica.
– Scurvy.
– Bleeding.
– Gum disease.

External application. – Abscesses.
– Swellings.
– Boils.
– Catarrh.
– Hair growth with Stinging nettle.
– Scaly skin conditions.
– Venereal disease.
– Ulcers.

CAUTIONS.
Irritation of the skin can occur when handling the plant.
Pregnant women should avoid the plant as it may damage the foetus.

NO DRUG INTERACTIONS RECORDED.