Humble Herb Burdock

reproduced from Sage Lake Herb's "Herbal Thymes" newsletter, written by Jolynn Wagner
Botanical name: Arctium lappa.

Habitat: Moist fertile soils in the temperate zones, especially abandoned sites and roadsides.

Best identified by: Very large (up to three feet long and nearly as wide) leaves with reddish stalks and woolly undersides; bitter taste left on fingers after rubbing leaves; *#!@!! Burrs.

Burdock packs a punch of vitamins and minerals, such as B1, Thiamine, Iron, Magnesium and calcium.

Burdock Root ‘s action is most profound on the lymph, sweat and oil glands, though its influence is felt in the liver, lungs, kidneys, stomach, uterus, and joints. Medicines made from the fresh burdock root are always preferable and superior to dried root preparations. Burdock is not for people in a hurry, or most acute problems; burdock works thoroughly and slowly.

Use burdock root as a nourishing tonic, a skin cleaner, a super cooler, an intestinal tonic and a guardian of your inner flows.

Burdock helps to clear the skin and acts as an herbal antibiotic and anti-fungal agent.

Burdock nourishes the liver and helps to ease the hot flashes in menopause.

Try adding burdock to your diet. Cook it up in rice or in soup. Cook up some root and stalk and add butter and herbs. Burdock root tea has a pleasant, nutty in flavor.

Dose of fresh burdock root tincture is 30-240 drops a day in water. Dose of dried burdock root infusion is 1/2—2 cups a day. Dose of burdock root decoction is 1-9 teaspoonfuls/day

Burdock Seed has powerful kidney action is initiated by burdock seed remedies; take care not to overdo it.

Use burdock seeds as a friend to your urinary system and as a smooth touch.

Burdock seed oil is an excellent hair tonic for thinning hair.