The Burdock Plant

( Western Herb )

LATIN NAME:

Arctium lappa

CHINESE NAME:

Ninbang

The Burdock plant is also known as Bardana, Burrs, Burr Seed, Thorny Burr, Lappa, Arctium Lappa, Lappaminor, Beggar’s Buttons, Cockle Buttons, Hareburr, Hurrburr, and Personata.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Burdock plant is a stout, beautiful biennial plant that is also a medicinal herb. It has large, wavy, dull green leaves and round heads of purple flowers. The globular flowers are covered with long stiff scales with hooked burrs, the scales are often interwoven with a white, cottony substance.

The plant can grow to around 3 to 5 feet in height. The little hooked burrs will stick to anything they come in contact with such as clothing and the fur of animals.

The Burdock plant is one of those nature’s best remedies that grow in your own backyard. It is found along roadsides and meadows throughout North America.

The root of the Burdock plant is the primary source of most herbal preparations. The roots grow straight just like the carrot. It becomes very soft with chewing and taste sweet. Burdock is a herb that works best in conjunction with professional medical treatment.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

* The root of Burdock contains up to 45% insulin, a non-nutritious fiber. The insulin makes Burdock valuable in treating diabetes, because the insulin grabs sugars from the digestive tract which prevents the sugar from entering the bloodstream.

* Regular doses of Burdock can help clear skin, regulate hormones, and promote overall health.

* stimulants the immune system

* controls blood sugar levels

* soothes skin irritation

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* respiratory infections

* abscesses

* joint pain

* strengthening to the immune system

* cancerous tumors

* skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis

* inflammatory conditions such as boils and sores

* venereal disease

* bladder and kidney problems

* removing toxins from the skin

* improving lymph circulation

* cleansing the blood

Use externally for:

* wounds

* skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis

* acne

* minor burns

PREPARATION AND DOSAGE:

The Burdock plant is available as dried powder, slices of root, and tinctures. Collect the root in the spring or fall of the second year; when the plant has a stem. The root may be used fresh or dried.

At home:

Burdock poultice: Make a poultice out of the root by adding a teaspoon of salt

Decoction: Use 1 tsp. root with 1 cup cold water. Let stand for 5 hours, then bring to a boil. Take 1 cup a day.

Tincture: Take 10-25 drops, in water, chamomile tea, or regular tea, 3-4 times a day.

Juice: Grate the fresh root and add half again as much water. Squeeze out the liquid. Drink 1 cup a day, a mouthful at a time.

Parts used: Roots, leaves and seeds, the whole plant, rhizome

Collection: The roots should be unearthed in early Fall or mid-Fall.

Constituents: Flavoniod glycosides, alkaloid, anti-microbial substance, insulin

Actions: Diuretic, bitter, laxative, tonic

Combinations: can be combined with Yellow Dock, Red Clover or Cleavers for skin problems.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious:

* Do not exceed recommended dosages because Burdock may cause stomach discomfort if too much is taken.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Warning:

* Do not use Burdock if you are pregnant because it stimulates the uterus.

* Children 2 years of age or younger should not be given Burdock.