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Burdock - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Arctium minus ,Arctium majus (Bernh.),Arctii,Akujitsu, anthraxivore, Arctium lappa Linne, Arctium tomentosa , Arctium tomentosum Mill , Bardanae radix , Bardanae Radix, Bardanae folium ,Bardana,Beggar's buttons, Burdock root, Burr, Burr seed,Vhin, Great burdock, Hardock, Hareburr, Hurrburr, Turkey burrseed, Great bur, Cocklebur, cockle buttons, Lappa, Bardane, Thorny burr, Fox's clote, Love leaves, Personata, Clotbur, Happy major.
Herb Description
Burdock is a biennial origin to Europe and Northern Asia and is now widely found in the United States as well .A stout handsome plant is a member of the thistle family .Burdock will mature in almost any soil, but it roots are formed best in a sunny well-drained soil.The burdock plant reaches to a height of 3 to 4 feet. A biennial that produces a rosette of very large heart-shaped leaves which are 6 to 18 inches long & 4 to 14 inches wide in size, are green on the top and whitish on the bottom. Stem leaves are egg like shape & smaller in size. Burdock has flowers with purple color that bloom in June and October.It roots are green-brownish color, or black on the outside.
Historically, It seeds have been used to make a effective tincture to clean the blood, to cure gout and ulcers,rheumatism, arthritis, and useful for skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. In India its root has been used as a popular anti-cancer treatment, and in China it is thought to be an efficacious aphrodisiac, favorable in curing impotence and sterility.
Properties
- Mild laxative.
- Mild diuretic.
- Depurative.
- Bitter.
- Diaphoretic.
- Antirheumatic.
- Antibiotic.
- Orexigenic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Relaxant.
- Demulcent.
- Tonic.
Uses and Benefits
Burdock is a beneficial treatment for bacterial and fungal infections . It has mild diuretic actions, eliminate toxins via the urine .Also helps to clear toxins from the tissues via the skin as it causes sweating. It has been used in anorexia nervosa and similar problems.It is used to give a healthy elasticity to a weak digestion, relieve wind, distension and indigestion and as a mild laxative.It can be used to aid kidney function because they encourage the elimination of uric acid via the kidneys.
Externally burdock may be used as a poultice to speed up the healing of wounds and ulcers .Burdock root have mild antibacterial and anti fungal property which may act to ebb skin conditions such as athlete's foot, dandruff, diaper rash, dry skin.Both the roots and leaves can be used to cure water retention,rheumatism,gout , cystitis, stones and gravel.
Burdock is used as treatment in various disorders such as:
- Anorexia nervosa.
- Aphrodisiac.
- Arthritis.
- Bladder disorders.
- Blood thinner.
- Boils.
- Burns.
- Cancer.
- Canker sores.
- Abscesses.
- Common cold.
- Dandruff.
- diuretic.
- Eczema.
- Hair loss.
- Headache.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Hives.
- Hormonal effects.
- Inflammation.
- Ichthyosis.
- Laxative.
- Liver disease.
- Measles.
- Pneumonia.
- Psoriasis.
- Respiratory infections.
- Ringworm.
- Sciatica.
- Scurvy.
- Seborrhea.
- Sterility.
- syphilis.
- Tonsillitis.
- Venereal diseases.
- Warts.
Side Effects
Burdock may lead to either increases or reductions in blood sugar levels.
Using burdock is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women as it may cause damage to the fetus or the risk of spontaneous abortion.
Burdock contains tannis in some amounts may be toxic .Tannins can cause stomach upset, and in high doses may result in kidney or liver damage. Excess use of tannins may enhance the risk of head and neck cancers.
Allergic skin reactions have been reported with the use of burdock plasters on the skin.The burdock plant contains different levels of pectin complex, Caution should be used in patients with allergies or intolerance to pectin.
Dosage
- Dried root:
2 to 6 gm or by infusion . Take three time in a day.
- Liquid Extract:
1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-8ml .Take three time in a day.
- Tincture:
1:10 in 45% alcohol, 8-12ml .Take three time in a day.
- Tea:
2 to 6 gm steeped in 500 mL water for 10 to 15 minuts.Take three time in a day.
Drug Interactions
Based on scientific study, burdock may either reduce or increase blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. Patients using drugs for diabetes by orally or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified doctor.
The high alcohol amount in some burdock tinctures may cause vomiting if used in the same time with the drug disulfiram or metronidazole .
Burdock has been associated with diuretic effects ,dehydration, uncontrolled electrolyte. Its effects may be increased when burdock is used at the same time with diuretic drugs such as chlorothiazide ,furosemide , hydrochlorothiazide , or spironolactone .
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