The burdock plant demands a lot of attention because of its large leaves. Ancient classical authors used burdock leaves as masks to cover up their faces. Hence, the plant was named personatia since theater masks were called “persona.”
We do not know how the effects of this plant on the skin were discovered. Perhaps one of those actors had acne or furuncles on his face, and after some plays, the appearance of his skin improved.
Whether this is true or not, the medicinal properties of burdock have been known for many ages and were noted by Dioscorides, the great Greek physician of the first century A.D. However, in the modern era, the properties of this plant were celebrated up to the point it was called a “cure-all.” The famous London physician of the eighteenth century, John Hill, thought that burdock was the ultimate solution for gout; unfortunately, he died at age 59, suffering from intense gout attacks.
- Traditional joint support.
- Burdock has been used for hundreds of years in Japanese and Chinese cultures as an herbal supplement.
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Burdock Plant Scientific Facts
- Other names: Bardana, burr seed, clotbur, cocklebur, grass burdock, hardock, hareburr, hurrburr, turkey burrseed, great burdock.
- French: Bardane
- Spanish: Bardana
- Environment: It grows near roads and populated places with abundant human or animal excretions. It is widespread in warm regions of Europe and America.
- Description: Strong plant of the Compositae family, growing up to one meter high. It is a biennial plant that takes two years to flower. It has large leaves, half a meter wide or even more. The flower heads are surrounded by thorns, which allow them to stick to clothes and hair. From their upper part, small purple or pink flowers grow. This plant is sometimes mistaken for Arctium minus, which has similar properties. It is considered to be one of the burdock look-alikes.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The root and the leaves when fresh. They are gathered in the spring (just before blooming) of the plant’s second year.
Preparation and Use
- Infusion
- Cold extract
- Compresses: Made with the same infusion or decoction taken internally but slightly more concentrated. Apply from two to six times a day for 10-15 minutes.
- Poultices: With mashed fresh leaves or the root, well-boiled, make a paste and apply it on the affected skin for around 10 minutes, several times a day.
- Lotions: Applied with the fresh juice of the plant.
Infusion (leaves): Take one cup three to four times daily. Decoction (seeds or root): One-ounce root to 1 ½ pint of water boiled down to one pint. Take 3 ounces three to four times daily. Tincture: Take 30 to 60 drops three to four times daily. Fluid Extract: Take ½ to one teaspoon three to four times daily. Powder (root or seed): Take ten to twenty #0 capsules (60 to 90 grains) daily. Powder (leaves): Take 5 to 10 #0 capsules (30 to 60 grains) thrice daily.
Healing Properties
The root and leaves of burdock contain different active components which explain its properties:
- Antibiotic: Artiopicrine, mainly contained in the root, is a plant antibiotic of the glycosidic type, proven to be especially effective against staphylococcus, a germ that causes many skin infections. Its use in external (compresses, poultices, lotions) and internal (infusion or cold extract) applications are recommended for skin infections caused by staphylococci, such as abscesses and furuncles gumboils, adenitis, and infected sebaceous cysts.
It is also helpful for chronic eczema, acne, and eruptive infectious diseases (measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, etc.) The antibiotic properties of burdock are eliminated through the urine and are thus recommended for cystitis and recidivist urinary infections. - Depurative: Because of its content of essential oil and mineral salts rich in potassium, burdock is an excellent sudorific and depurative plant. It promotes the elimination of waste substances through the skin. Thus, the skin, also an excreting organ, frees itself of impurities. Its mild diuretic properties also contribute to this action. It is recommended for gout (excess of uric acid), arthritis, and renal lithiasis.
- Hypoglycemic: Burdock root decreases the sugar level in the blood partially because of its inulin content (a carbohydrate useful for people with diabetes). It produces fantastic results as a complement to diabetes treatment, allowing the patient to reduce insulin or antidiabetic medicines.
- Hair invigorant: Some people use burdock, with unequal success, applied on the scalp as compresses or lotion, intending to grow hair.
The maximum cleaning and beauty effects of burdock on the skin are achieved by drinking herbal teas and at the same time applying it externally.
The burdock plant helps to promote kidney function and works through the kidneys to aid in clearing the blood of harmful acids. It is considered one of the best blood purifying herbs for sciatica, skin diseases, arthritis, rheumatism, and chronic infections. Burdock is also used for skin disorders, such as boils and carbuncles, and it can be helpful for menopausal symptoms and gout. It can eliminate uric acid, excess fluids, and toxins.
The plant is also antifungal and antibacterial. It acts as an antioxidant and could help defend against cancer by helping to control cell mutation. Burdock’s diaphoretic properties result from volatile oils, which, when taken internally, come out through the sweat glands, removing toxic substances. Sweating helps cool down the body. Therefore, it is a crucial remedy for reducing fevers and heat-related conditions such as canker sores, carbuncles, styes, boils, and infections.
The burdock plant contains 27 to 45 percent inulin, the source of its curative properties and abilities. Inulin is a starch. This plant is also rich in iron, making it valuable for treating blood disorders and as a blood purifier. This makes it helpful in treating lumbago, sciatica, rheumatism, and arthritis. The seeds can be used to create a tincture or extract which can treat kidney and skin diseases.
Taken on its own or with other blood purifiers such as sarsaparilla, it is highly effective against skin issues. It would help if you took it internally to treat psoriasis, eczema, chicken pox, boils, and acne. A decoction of the root can be made by using one ounce to 1 ½ pint of water and simmering until the volume is reduced to one pint. Take ½ cup three times daily.
To produce sweating, simmer in a covered pan for ten minutes, then drink one cup of the tea before taking a hot bath. When used externally, it can treat poison oak, ivy, itchy skin, eczema, and boils.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the most effective ways to consume the burdock plant?
Here are some popular and beneficial ways to utilize burdock:
Burdock Root Tea: A traditional method, ideal for taking advantage of the burdock plant’s internal benefits. Steep dried burdock root in hot water for several minutes.
Tinctures: Concentrated liquid extracts allow for easy dose control. Follow the instructions on your chosen tincture.
Topical Application: Burdock-infused oils or salves can address skin conditions. Create your own, or look for products with burdock plant as an ingredient.
Culinary Uses: Fresh, young burdock root can be prepared like a vegetable (like parsnip or carrot). Enjoy stir-fried, roasted, or pickled.
What are the recommended dosages for burdock?
Dosages can vary depending on your form and specific needs. Here’s a general guideline, but consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice:
Dried Root: 1-2 teaspoons steeped in hot water up to 3 times daily
Tincture: Follow the dosage specified on the product
Topical: Apply as needed depending on the product
Culinary: Burdock root can be eaten moderately like other root vegetables.
Can I harvest burdock root myself?
Yes, if you’re confident in plant identification! First-year burdock plants are ideal, as the root is most tender. Be cautious, as it is similar in appearance to some poisonous plants. Harvest from areas free of pollutants and obtain landowner permission if necessary.
What are some notable interactions or side effects to be aware of?
The burdock plant is generally safe, but be aware of these potential concerns:
Blood sugar: If you have diabetes, use cautiously, as burdock can lower blood sugar.
Blood clotting: Burdock might slow clotting, so use it cautiously if you have bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medications.
Diuretic effect: May lead to dehydration; ensure adequate fluid intake.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Insufficient information; it’s generally advised to avoid use in these states.
Are there specific types of the burdock plant that are most beneficial?
The commonly used Great Burdock (Arctium lappa) is medicinally most potent. However, other varieties of the burdock plant may also offer advantages. Check for localized, wild burdock species in your area, as they may be well-adapted to your needs.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 697, 698. Print.[burdock plant]
- Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 148, 149.
- PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Google Scholar https://scholar.google.com/
- WebMD https://www.webmd.com/
- Healthline https://www.healthline.com/
- Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/
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