Burdock
Not gonna lie, Burdock doesn't look like anything but a big weed. With some ugly roots.
But it does have some good health benefits. It can be used in different forms. I'll explain the benefits as well as the different uses.
A little history about Burdock. It originated in Europe and Asia. Usually found roadside and along fences. But now in can be found throughout America. Burdock contains carbohydrates, volatile oils, plants sterols, tannins, and fatty acids. Some active ingredients in the root contain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.
Uses and Benefits
Burdock is most known for use as a blood purifier to help clean the bloodstream of toxins.
Use as a diuretic, helps the body get rid of excesses water
Topical remedies for ance, eczema, and psoriasis
Medicinal Uses
Cancers
Diabetes
AIDS
Colds
Sore Throats
Improve Digestion
Joint Pain
Bladder Infections
Liver Disease
Forms of Burdock
Fluid Extracts
Tinctures: a solution of the herb in alcohol or water
Fresh or dried roots
Decoctions: liquid made by boiling down the herb in water
Dried root powder
How to take
Children:
There isn't much research in being used in children, so if using consult a doctor or
Naturopathy doctor.
Adults:
Capsules: 1-2g. 3x a day
Tea: 2-6 grams steeped in 500 mL of hot water (2 cups) 3x a day
Dried root: Steep 2-6 grams in 2/3 cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes and the strain and
drink 3 times a day.
Soak a cloth in the liquid and put on skin or wound
Tincture: 30-60 drops. Once daily.
Fluid Extract: 60 drops. 2x a day
If you don't feel comfortable making up your own. You can buy different forms online.
Here's a link to Vitacost. They have all the different forms.
Warnings
Do NOT gather burdock in the wild. Sometimes it can be contaminated with the deadly nightshade and result in a poisoning. Always buy from an established company.
Do NOT consume burdock if you are dehydrated.
Do NOT consume if you are sensitive to daises, ragweed, and chrysanthemums. An allergic reaction may occur especially if you are allergic to them.
Do NOT use if pregnant or nursing
Do NOT use with medications that slow blood clotting. This might increase the chances of bruising and blood clotting.
Ex: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Sources:
WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-111-burdock.aspx?activeIngredientId=111&activeIngredientName=burdock
University of Maryland Medical Center: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/burdock
