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BURDOCK
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(Arctium iappa) Top Pick
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Other Names
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Bardana, Beggar’s Button, Burr, Burrseed, Burs, Cocklebur, Grass Burdock,
Hardock, Hareburr.
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Description
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Burdock is a biennial plant native to the Northern United States and Europe,
found growing in abundance almost anywhere. The long, fleshy root is
gray-brown to black outside and whitish inside. The hollow, round, white
stem is swirled with crimson red, and covered with many little branches and small narrow
leafs. The purple flowers bloom from July through
September. Towards July round green fruit appear. The protective burrs
grab onto everything.
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Classification
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Root/Leaves: Dry
Seeds: Cold
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Taste
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Root/Leaves: Bitter
Seeds: Pungent.
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Root/Leaves: Cooling
Seeds: Cold.
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Humor
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Fire ê Water ê Air é
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Uses/Applications
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Burdock is natures best blood purifier, ridding the body of
toxins. It is a strong blood cleanser and stimulates the liver, gallbladder,
spleen, kidneys, urinary, bladder, and skin. If you are using Burdock
to cleanse the system, fasting also aids the elimination of waste. It is excellent for
detoxifying when you have come in contact with any toxic substance. Use for skin conditions
such as dry/scaly skin, psoriasis, and eczema. Treatment of skin
conditions usually takes about 6 weeks. Use for rheumatic
conditions, as a digestive aid, and to increase appetite. It is also an excellent
remedy for pets with a cough.
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Leaves
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Infusion
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Use for indigestion.
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Poultice
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Apply to bruises and skin inflammations including acne.
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Infused Oil
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Use as a liniment for diseases of the muscles, joints, or
skin. Massage in the scalp for dandruff. Rub on ends for
split ends.
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Root
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Decoction
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Use for skin disorders, especially persistent boils, and
sores.
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Tincture
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Use in combination with arthritic herbs, or digestive herbs such as Yellow Dock
to detoxify the system and stimulate digestion.
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Poultice
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Apply to skin sores and leg ulcers.
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Wash
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Use the decoction for acne and fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot or
ringworm.
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Seeds
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Decoction
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Take for feverish colds, with sore throat and cough. Use with Heartease for
skin eruptions.
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Powder
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Use for skin conditions.
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Combinations
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Yellow Dock, Red Clover.
For your pet’s cough combine with Coltsfoot, and Oregano in equal
parts.
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Constituents
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Flavanoid, Glycosides, Bitter, Alkaloid, 45% Inulin, Mucilage,
Tannins.
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Action
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Diuretic, Bitter, Laxative, Tonic, Vulnerary,
Anti-Fungal.
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Food Values
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Vitamin E, Iron, Trace Minerals, Zinc.
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Part Used
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Roots, Rhizome.
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Collection
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Harvest the rhizome in the fall. Roots should be harvested
in the 2nd year of growth. Unearth early to mid
fall.
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Capsule
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Take 1 capsule three times per day.
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Preparation
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Decoction
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Put 1 Tsp. root into a cup of water. Bring to a boil, then
simmer 10 minutes. Take three times per day.
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Extract
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Take 10-20 drops in liquid once a day.
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Infusion
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Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp. herb. Infuse 10
minutes. Take in ½ cup doses before meals.
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Infused Oil
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Fill jar with freshly crushed Burdock roots and top off with Jojoba or Sunflower
oil. Cover tightly, then let stand in the sun for 3
weeks. Strain into dark bottles.
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Juice:
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Grate fresh root and add ½ as much water. Squeeze out the
liquid. Take one cup per day a mouthful at a time.
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Tincture
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Take 2 - 4 ml. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Plant Burdock seeds in the spring from March through
April. Thin the seedlings so they are 2 feet apart. Burdock is best
suited as a solitary plant because of its large size. It prefers moist,
rich, deeply cultivated soil and full sun, but it will tolerate poorer
soils. In its first year it will form only a rosette with
leaves. In the second year it will sprout a thick stem and purplish
flowers.
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History
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Burdock can be traced back to great and ancient physicians such as Dioscorides,
Galen, and Pliny. Legend says it was used to heal Henry III of
syphilis. Burdock is known for its hooked burrs which grab tightly onto
clothing. It was once widely used in cleansing remedies, and as a traditional blood
purifier that was often combined with folk brews such as Dandelion and Burdock
wine. It
was also popular for indigestion.
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Additional Information
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1. The Japanese use Burdock root, which they call Gobo, as a
vegetable.
2. This herb has been used extensively around the world as a cancer treatment
and active ingredients found in it have shown anti tumor activity.
3. An article published in Chemotherapy identified a chemical called
arctigenin as an inhibitor of experimental tumor growth. Burdock is a main
ingredient in a formula sold as
Essiac ™. This formula is sold as a
cleansing tonic but history dates it back to a cancer cure discovered by a Canadian nurse at the
turn of the century. Much research and writings are available on
Essiac™.
4. Burdock is part of the controversial Hoxsey Cancer Formula that was
marketed from 1930 - 1950 by ex coal miner Harry Hoxsey. Although not all people
were cured there were many who swore by it. There is still a clinic
operating in Mexico today.
5. The Chinese use Burdock as an effective
aphrodisiac.
6. In India and Russia it is a popular anti-cancer
remedy.
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Cautions
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1. Do not use if pregnant as it is a uterine
stimulant.
2. Be sure you are using true Burdock Root.
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Magick Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Venus
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Healing, Protection
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Magickal Uses:
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Cast Burdock around your home to ward of
negativity. Add to protection incense.
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