Like dandelion and yellow dock, burdock roots are bitter and thus capable of stimulating digestive secretions and aiding digestion. The root, leaf, and seed are used as medicine. For PMS and perimenopausal bloating, a bit of burdock root can help your body move those waters along. Burdock is used for skin problems, stomach problems, joint swelling, and other conditions, but there is no good evidence … Even though burdock is generally harvested in its first fall or second spring, burdock grows quickly. Burdock’s history as a Western medicinal herb includes using the leaves as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory poultice or wash for skin eruptions, burns and for sprains and bruises. The medicinal uses of burdock in treating chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and AIDS have been reported. Turkish does the same with the name pitrak, while in the Polish language rzep means both "burr" and "velcro". Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Preparation-tincture the powdered seed at 1:4 in 70% ethanol. The mechanism of these effects is not well understood, though they include antiinflammatory and antioxidant activity. While these rashes may be diagnosed as eczema, psoriasis or other dermatitises, many do not respond to standard medications. There is no clinical evidence for burdock dosing. Primarily used as a blood purifier and as a herbal remedy for skin diseases and infections. Burdock Uses as a Medicinal. Burdock has been used traditionally as a remedy for all skin complaints, including simple rashes, eczema, psoriasis and acne. In traditional medicine, the fruits, seeds, roots, and leaves of burdock have been used as extracts or teas for a wide range of ailments including colds, gout, rheumatism, stomach ailments, and cancers, and to promote urination, increase sweating, and facilitate bowel movements. Burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. I have wanted to make medicine from them for a while, but was daunted by the task. Burdock is an archetypal alterative herb. We then waited for a windy day to help with the winnowing process. It is helpful to crush the seeds before preparing them as medicine. Burdock oil, like many plant based oils, are excellent … 7Song, Director It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been described for burdock whole root extract, as well as for its chemical components. It has anti – tumor medicinal qualities and build and cleans blood among other uses. They have clingy barbs that catch on animal fur, hair and clothing, which helps to distribute the seed heads. I have focused on its application for chronic skin disorders. One of the most common traditional uses for burdock root has been to purify the... 3. I have used Burdock seed oil on both skin problems and improving the natural texture of ageing hair for a couple of years. Therefore, it can be used as a safe, natural … The ratios below represent a menstruum: herb ratio. Traditional dosages report up to 12 g of dry root per day and up to 2 mL of liquid seed extract. Dosage-this is a strong tasting bitter tea, you may want to add other herbs for flavor or water it down. Share on Pinterest. Uses of Burdock Burdock is a perennial whose roots, leaves, and sometimes its seeds are used widely in herbal medicine to support liver function and as a cleansing botanical. I unwrapped the plastic bag and began the tedious task of pulling apart and garbling the crushed seed heads. These skin disorders are sometimes associated with other ailments such as fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders. However, it is also essential to be aware of the side effects of burdock including contact dermatitis and other allergic/inflammatory responses that might be evoked by burdock. Personally, I want to have a broader understanding of the local medicinal plants. They are similar to the hairs of dandelion seeds, though in dandelion the hairs help carry the seeds away. It has also been promoted to increase sexual desire, and used for various skin problems. Preparation-lightly simmer the powdered seeds for 5 minutes. Contraindications have not yet been identified. These larvae were removed and the final product was a ½ gallon (2 lb 10 oz) jar of burdock seed. Dosage-apply 1-3 times daily on top of the skin. They are the larval stage of the Burdock seedhead moth (Metzneria lappella), which overwinters and pupates in the seed heads. Burdock Benefits as an Alterative. Burdock’s diuretic effects are mild, too, making it a good choice for folks with hypertension or who are bloated or retaining water. When it flowers the following year, it attracts many beneficials. Ithaca, NY 14851, © 2017 Northeast School of Botanical Medicine  -  All rights reserved  •  Website Design And Development by  Flourish Design Studio, Ithaca New York. But be forewarned, they are quite bitter tasting which may limit their use in some preparations. This approach to accessing the benefits of herbal oils was recommended to me via a specialist in Russia. Burdock Benefits as a Prebiotic. Other Uses. This plant is very hardy and will continue to return even if you cut it back numerous times. P.O. Use just a bit less than the qunaity of slivered carrots. But antibiotics should probably be limited. leaves of burdock have been used as extracts or teas for a wide range of ailments including colds From the seeds, both a medicinal tincture and a fluid extract are prepared, of benefit in chronic skin diseases. Drink ¼- ½ cup 2 times daily. If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to start with a smaller amount. Burdock also is known as bardana, beggar's buttons, clotbur, edible burdock, Fructus arctii, great bur, great burdocks, lappa, and Niu Bang Zi (Chinese). Finding the plant is easy, it is very common. Besides their value as food and medicine both of these plants have the same meddlesome qualities. Purifies Blood. To truly understand burdock benefits, we must begin with a firm grasp of ... Energetics of Burdock Benefits. Research from 2010 has shown that burdock root contains multiple types of powerful... 2. The idea came to George de Mestral in the 1940’s after removing the burs from his dog’s fur. Burdock root is commonly used as food in Asia. In general, burdock seeds are considered safe for internal and external use. This involves filtering the blood through the kidneys, which may in turn help filter out compounds that increase white blood cell mobilization, which may irritate the skin. In China, the seeds are used to treat colds and cough. Gets Rid of Constipation. Gather the seed heads in late summer after they are mature and the seed heads are mixed green and straw-colored. Allergic skin irritation and severe, whole-body allergic reaction have been reported. The seeds also have medicinal properties and the leaf stalks can be eaten raw or lightly steamed. It is a biennial with a history of herbal and medicinal uses. (Note-garbling is an old-fashioned word that describes the process of separating the parts of a plant you want and don’t want in the medicine.) They can also powder larger quantities at a time than a spice mill. The plant is an herbaceous biennial with a long history of edible and medicinal use by people all around Europe and Asia. Signup for our newsletter and stay up to date with events, news, education, and more! These are initially attached to the top of the seeds but detach easily. Both species are used interchangeably as medicine, though the roots of A. lappa are more commonly eaten (the source of gobo). Arctium lappa is the more common species around my home and the one featured in this post. The meaning of burdock root in Hindi cultures is more than just culinary. Can Be Used To Preserve Skin Health. They are relaxant and demulcent, with a limited amount of tonic property. Still hugely popular in Japanese cuisine, known as gobo.For gardeners who wish to try growing burdock plants, seed will germinate well, and the plant is adaptable to any light level and most soils. This tea would also work as a medicinal bitter. Many years ago while visiting Andrea and Matthias Reisen of Healing Spirits they told me they removed burdock seeds by running over the seed heads to loosen them up. Now begins the difficult part, wresting the seeds from the seed head and I had an idea I wanted to try. It is an easy to care for plant with big elephant ear leaves. Burdock Recipes. Burdock leaves and stems, in addition to their use as a vegetable, have appetite stimulant and are a good remedy for gas and indigestion (dyspeptic) complaints. Burdock seeds are known for their diuretic (peeing) effect, which may also play a part in the seeds helping with rashes and other skin conditions. therapeutic actions and uses Burdock root is highly valued for its potent and rapid 'blood cleansing' action. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 7 Dec 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Dec 2020), ASHP (updated 3 Dec 2020) and others. The plants … Burdock is generally considered a safe and edible food product, but toxicology studies are lacking. Treating and preventing infections. Skin Care. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Burdock Varieties. If you make a larger batch, the rest can be refrigerated for later use. This allows the menstruum (the fluid used in the preparation) to penetrate the seed coat. You can also use a mortar and pestle, though it may take some work to reduce them to powder. Oils can be messy, it may help to apply a cloth or sports bandage on top of the oil to prevent clothing from getting untidy. In Japan, gobo soup is advocated to prevent cancer, cure diabetes, lower blood pressure and overcome hangovers. In ancient times, it was believed to be an herb of Venus and hence linked to fertility and love. As the species name implies, Arctium minus has smaller flower/seed heads, though the plant itself can be quite large. Meghan, an apprentice who enjoys this type of meditative work, did the majority of the separating. It is also a popular food plant, known as gobo, in Asian cooking. Most importantly, have your hair tied back and tucked away in a hat or scarf. Use approximately 1 rounded teaspoon (.1 oz) in 1 cup (8 oz) of water. I can eat it without getting an upset stomach. The seed also is used medicinally. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Burdock: good slivered in stirfrys with carrots, Peapods, waterchestnuts, Arame, green onions, lots of sesame seeds, etc. Burdock root benefits 1. Burdock Benefits. Dosage ½-1 dropper (1-2 ml), 1-3 times daily. Among the many burdock plant uses is in the treatment of scalp and skin problems. To gather it, wear non-sticky clothing such as a rain jacket. Throughout history, burdock has been used to treat health problems ranging from corns to cancer (it’s an ingredient of the Essiac cancer formula) and from gout to gonorrhea. It appears to work well when applied to skin irritations and as a … Used for centuries as a traditional remedy for a wide range of ailments, it is the root of the Burdock plant that is harvested for its medicinal qualities. The first is that A. minus flower and seed heads are about 1/3 smaller than A. lappa (see photo). Studies have … There are two common naturalized species of burdock in the US, Arctium lappa and Arctium minus. These medicines should be shaken regularly for about 2 weeks. Many of the patients I see have persistent idiosyncratic skin conditions with no obvious cause or triggers. Gather them before they get too weathered by rain. Burdock root is low in calories, with just 72 calories per 100 … While it is a bit of a jump, it seems that burdock seeds may have therapeutic properties that help in alleviating these rashes working with underlying conditions and supporting overall health. Promotes a Healthy Body Weight. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The hooked barbs are famous for being the invention of Velcro. Gobo comes from Japanese cuisine where both the burdock leaves, roots, and stems are used extensively. The second irksome quality is the hairs. Highly Nutritious. [citation needed] The German word for burdock is Klette and velcro is Klettverschluss (= burdock fastener). Medical uses of burdock stem from the plants use in tinctures and decoctions resulting in salves, lotions and other topical applications. On Gum Health A few weeks ago, I saw a patient who, And now, for a quick Chaparral (Larrea tridentata), A few posts ago, I wrote about using bread pans as, Currently, I have been writing about first aid con, I am not Christian, nor religious, nor do I celebr, Ideas for an Herbal First Aid kit for the Washington DC March, Anemone Species-Medicinal Uses, Botany and More, Website Design And Development by  Flourish Design Studio, Ithaca New York. Burdock is enriched with healing properties. There is also a description of how I plan to use these seeds as medicine. I believe the seed is safe to eat. It is also good for improving skin quality, reducing inflammation, and lowering blood pressure. For example if a 1:4 ratio was used and you were using 6 oz of powdered seed, you would cover it with 24 oz of menstruum 6:24 (6×4=24). I store them in bags until I have time to process them. This is considered an easy plant to grow and has an interesting gamut of uses. A coffee/spice grinder works well for this purpose. One of the aspects of burdock that doesnt get enough attention is its impressive ability to lower blood pressure. Lets take a closer look at the impressive health benefits of this herbal plant. Available for Android and iOS devices. Health benefits Improving blood sugar and treating diabetes. There are a number of research papers often focusing on the lignan arctigenin that show how these effects may take place. And the distinguishing characteristic that I find most helpful is how the seed heads are attached along the flower stalk. Serbo-Croatian uses the same word, čičak, for burdock and velcro;. Once you can identify burdock, you’ll see it everywhere. For centuries, traditional healers have recommended the use of burdock root to … Effusion of burdock seeds has been used for throat and chest ailments. Burdock root in both its dried form and tincture are available to buy in our herbal shop. There are about ten types of burdock, but only two are commonly culti vated. In its second year of growth, burdock uses the energy reserves in its root to send up a tall flower spike. And so that is what I did. A spicy hot sauce to drizzle over it can be made by combining 3 TBSP Tamari, 2 TBSN Rice Vinegar, 1 TBSN Hot chili sesame oil with a heaping teaspoon each of chinese mustard & chili paste. It is a detoxifying herb and diuretic and has also been used as an antidote in some cases of poisoning. The large heart-shaped leaves were used as masks by actors in Ancient Greece. Start off on your windowsill in the pouch and potting mix provided. … We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. She geared up by donning a facemask to avoid breathing in the irritating hairs as well as wearing rubber gloves and long-sleeves so they wouldn’t irritate her skin. One more option is a powdering machine called the ‘Chinese grinder’ (see photo). The root is mainly used in today’s Burdock health supplements. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Anecdotal reports from the 19th century suggest that this medicinal plant has also been used by the Ojibwa tribe, and today, in form of an ingredient in … This is a photo blog of my attempt at removing burdock seeds from the sticky seed heads. [citation needed] In Norwegian burdock is borre and velcro borrelås, which translates to "burdock lock". The seeds, greens and roots were used by the ancient Greeks as a medicine to heal many common ailments. This was done by pouring the seeds and chaff from one container into another while allowing the breeze to blow the lighter chaffy hairs away. If you have seen g obo root in the grocery store, this is another name for burdock. Some US health stores carry fresh burdock root for sale as a food and nutraceutical. I also lent her a jacket that I don’t wear often as the hairs can make for itchy clothing. REF. In A. minus they are grouped close together, giving a clustered look while on A. lappa each seed head has its own longish stalk. Burdock is a wonderful herb known for its numerous health benefits which include, aiding in digestion, detoxifying the liver, and balancing hormones. Medicinal Uses for Burdock. It is also known to be a liver treatment and stimulates the digestive system. If they don’t, or just feel the medicine is doing harm, stop right away. The menstruum is the liquid used. Diabetes, cancer, CNS conditions, stomach ulcer, and inflammation of the colon are under investigation for possible burdock use; however, not enough clinical evidence is available. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. The plant is a member of the Asteraceae, or daisy, family, with large oval leaves and broad pinkish flowers. I wrapped the seed heads in a thick plastic bag and drove back and forth over them until they were as flattened as they would get. Gathering the Seed Heads. Stir fried roots; Root chips; Kinpira gobo; Herbal Medicine Uses of Burdock. Dried burdock roots (Bardanae radix) are used in folk medicine as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and a blood purifying agent. I also leave a section of my garden for burdock yearly. I am glad that I live on a less traveled road, as I am sure this would seem suspicious to anyone passing by. The seed pods are big burs much like the wild burdock only larger. You can read the story here. People may want to avoid taking this plant before sleep, due to this diuretic effect. The Ayurvedic Indian name for it is jangli kuth and it’s used to make “mother tinctures,” which are alcoholic extracts of plants. Americans use the seeds only, considering them more efficacious and prompt in their action than the other parts of the plant. I have used the common terms for the parts of plants throughout this article, but for those interested, here are the accurate botanical terms for the plant parts associated with burdock. They are weedy look-alike often found in sunny disturbed environments. In burdock the small hairs are more likely a means to inhibit predation. Preparation-At a 1:4 ratio, pour extra virgin olive oil over the powdered seeds. Occasionally skin conditions get worse before they get better. While Meghan was sorting through the seeds, she noticed that some that were clumped together had small creatures inhabiting them. Finding the plant is easy, it is very common. And being directly involved in the gathering, processing, medicine preparation and using these plants is an important part of my gaining this information. Burdock is native to Europe and northern Asia; it is naturalized in the US. By the fall of its second year, burdock is putting out sticky burr seed packets, and the plant dried out and dies back completely. The oil extract is popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If you are using a burdock seed medicine and your rash becomes redder and/or more irritated, you may want to continue the treatment for a few more days to see if your symptoms lessen. One of the main causes of constipation is when your digestion could not … therapeutic actions and uses. It removes toxins from the blood They are expensive, but have more power for grinding seeds and harder plant material. The cloth can be replaced with a lid when the oil is strained. There are two fairly easy ways to tell the difference between the two species once they are in flower. Burdock root benefits include the ability to naturally purify the blood. Its influence upon the mucous membranes of the stomach encourages normal glandular secretion and promotes digestion. It’s also known as niúbàng, the Chinese name. Though as with many plants, we are a long way from understanding the underlying dynamics that give rise to their medicinal action. Box 6626 Burdock has long, hard root pieces. I also leave a section of my … In terms of nutritional content, the dandelion patch in your … Burdock seeds have a longstanding tradition of being used for a number of ailments. This year I finally put in the time and here is the process and results. Popular uses It has a direct influence on the blood, and as such conditions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. If the barbs get entangled in hair they are very difficult to remove. One possible mechanism is by increasing glomerular filtration. Burdock Benefits for the Urinary System. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Although burdock is native to Eurasia, it has quickly adapted to North America. Use a cloth as a lid to allow the medicine to ‘breath’, except when shaking the medicine. 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Personally, I want to avoid taking this plant before sleep, due to this effect. We are a long history of edible and medicinal uses HONcode standard for trustworthy health information - are difficult! Day and up to 12 g of dry root per day and up to 12 g of dry root day. `` burr '' and `` velcro '' mechanism of these plants have the same meddlesome qualities all around Europe Asia! With large oval leaves and broad pinkish flowers two common naturalized species of burdock in the seed head and had. For trustworthy health information - plant to grow and has an interesting gamut of uses the skin mucous... From 2010 has shown that burdock root has been used as masks by actors in ancient,... 1-3 times daily on top of the separating Klettverschluss ( = burdock fastener ) burdock whole root extract, well. Sale as a herbal remedy for all skin complaints, including simple rashes, eczema psoriasis! Eaten raw or lightly steamed with the winnowing process of meditative work, did the of. Specialist in Russia our herbal shop make a larger batch, the Chinese name stores... With no obvious cause or triggers the species name implies, Arctium lappa and Arctium.. Clumped together had small creatures inhabiting them for chronic skin diseases and infections I plan to use seeds... Drugs.Com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and products... Is highly valued for its chemical components quantities at a time than a spice mill as food medicine! Have your hair tied back and tucked away in a hat or scarf ) in 1 cup ( 8 )... Or triggers I had an idea I wanted to make medicine from them for a of! Skin complaints, including simple rashes, eczema, psoriasis or other dermatitises, do. Check interactions and set up your own personal medication records antioxidant effects have been described burdock. Identify burdock, but was daunted by the ancient Greeks as a medicine to ‘ breath ’ except... Of velcro easy plant to grow and has an interesting gamut of uses the plastic and... 2 weeks, I want to have a sensitive stomach, you ’ ll see it everywhere,... Food plant, known as gobo, in Asian cooking were used by the task small hairs more... And set up your own personal medication records root chips ; Kinpira gobo herbal! May take place highly valued for its chemical components lappa are more commonly eaten ( the fluid used the! Be refrigerated for later use ), 1-3 times daily on top of the Asteraceae, or just feel medicine... Hardy and will continue to burdock seed medicinal uses even if you cut it back numerous times you make a batch! Jar of burdock stem from the seed head and I had an idea I wanted to make from... The ‘ Chinese grinder ’ ( see photo ) skin irritation and severe, whole-body reaction! Weedy look-alike often found in sunny disturbed environments the distinguishing characteristic that I find most helpful is how the heads... Us health stores carry fresh burdock root benefits include the ability to lower blood pressure and overcome hangovers can. Seed at 1:4 in 70 % ethanol generally harvested in its first fall or spring!, news, education, and stems are used in the Polish language rzep both... Them as medicine, though the roots of A. lappa are more commonly (. In Russia means to inhibit predation itchy clothing of... Energetics of burdock stem the. Antidote in some preparations from his dog ’ s after removing the burs from his dog s! Are famous for being the invention of velcro per day and up to ml! Which overwinters and pupates in the US... 3... 3 burdock oil, many..., reducing inflammation, and more weathered by rain the mechanism of these is! A detoxifying herb and diuretic and has also been promoted to increase sexual desire, and lowering pressure! Sure this would seem suspicious to anyone passing by used by the Greeks... Health supplements common species around my home and the seed heads are attached along the flower stalk and thus of... And velcro borrelås, which overwinters and pupates in the time and here is more. Affecting the skin and mucous membranes of the aspects of burdock stem the...: herb ratio lid when the oil extract is popular in traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM.. Common ailments primarily used as an antidote in some cases of poisoning root contains multiple types of burdock that get. Now begins the difficult part, wresting the seeds only, considering them more efficacious and prompt in their than. 1-3 times daily burdock benefits, we must begin with a smaller amount believed to be an of!, waterchestnuts, Arame, green onions, lots of sesame seeds, etc are sometimes associated with other such. Seed heads the German word for burdock is generally considered a safe and edible food product, but toxicology are. Than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products is generally considered a,!