Burdock

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.

http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?NttSR=1&ss=1&x=-841&y=-29&ntk=products&Ntt=burdock 

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