Burdock & its Benefits!

Burdock is a biennial plant in the Arctum class of the the Asteraceae family, that has dark green, heart-shaped leaves and generally hollow leaf stalks. It usually blooms from July to October, with its purple flowers surrounded by hooked bristles. Its name is derived from “dock” for its large leaves, and “bur,” which is a contraction of “burra,” a lock of wool. It is native to the Old World but its species are now known worldwide, being capable of being cultivated in gardens with fresh, worked soil rich in decomposing plants and animal matter called humus, and exposed to full sunlight. It can also be found growing along roadsides, in fields, and edges of woody areas.

A Burdock plant offers many uses. The taproot, when it still young, can be harvested and eaten as vegetable, together with its flower stalks that taste like artichoke to which it is related. Containing starch, its root has sweetish and sticky taste, while its leaves are a bit bitter. Its seeds are brownish-grey, and wrinkled when ripe. As food, Burdock is low in calories but contains dietary fiber, potassium and amino acids. Combined with dandelion herb, it is a soft drink in the United Kingdom. Traditionally, it is used as a remedy for measles, tonsillitis, arthritis, colds and other viruses, throat pain, and as a diuretic, or to increase the flow of urine. In modern times, it is used in oncology, which is a study of tumors, and to treat many serious health problems. For other medicinal uses, it is a blood purifying agent and a cure for many cases of eczema and other skin diseases and disorders. A decoction of its leaves relieves some forms of indigestion, and treats tumors, gouty swellings, bruises and inflamed surfaces when used as a poultice. A decoction of its seeds can also treat kidney problems.

Burdock’s active ingredients include arcigen, iron, calcium, essential oil, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, insulin, mucilage, potassium, resin, taraxosterol, tannin and polyacetylene, which is an active anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredient. The latter can provide topical cure for other skin problems like eczema and acne. A chemical found in the plant called arctigenin has been found to slow tumor growth and reduce blood sugar in the treatment of diabetes. This find has been bolstered by laboratory studies that show Burdock root reducing blood sugar levels and improved tolerance of carbohydrates. Burdock leaves when used as tea are helpful with indigestion and urinary problems, relief of pain in the bladder and inflammation, arthritis and hepatitis, and even liver issues. A Burdock root, if combined with dandelion root, can also help drive away fever, clear up eczema and asthma, and treat some types of cancer. The most important function of Burdock is that it restores vigor and momentum in humans.

Don’t gather your own Burdock which is seen growing in many places as you might mistake it for belladonna, a fatally toxic plant.