Burdock is quickly becoming one of my
favorite herbs. We took it initially
for skin problems and I saw it working equally well helping clear up our older
teenagers’ pimples as it did on helping my younger daughter’s extremely dry
skin (to the point of eczema and dry scalp problems.) I then was requested to
put it in a kidney tonic for some therapists and noticed how good it seemed to
work for pain. That led to more
research on it’s inflammation reducing properies. The more I find out about it and use it, the more I like
this root. Here are over 7 areas
this amazing herb can be a help in:
Burdock Root is
claimed to be one of (1) nature’s best blood
cleansers and is helpful in not only ridding
the body of dangerous toxins, but is a binder and expeller of heavy metals in the body. The root contains trace
amounts of natural mercury, which makes it useful in mercury detoxification
programs.
It is an excellent (2)
liver and kidney cleanser as
well as helpful for the whole glandular system. Because it increases the flow
of urine and promotes sweating, it is used today as a (3)
diuretic. It will help rid the body of excess water weight.
Burdock is also helpful in (4) reducing swelling and deposits in the joints.
Therefore, it is commonly used to ease arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and
lumbago (backaches).
It is helpful for most (5) skin conditions and is
a major treatment for eczema, psoriasis,
and even canker sores. It is
used externally and internally for skin solutions. Because of its (6) high mineral and calcium
content, people have also found it helpful for hair and nail growth.
Some people have also found it helpful for (7+) fatigue,
nervous disorders and soothing hemorrhoids.
How to take:
Although it can be found in some external skin ointments the most common
way to take this herb is internally in capsule form, available at your health
food store (or buy bulk burdock powder and make your own). You can also find this root fresh in
some stores, generally in the fall, to prepare and add it to your own recipes. Here are a few ideas:
To Process: Chop
the root fine in a food processor and add it into soups and stews. It has a strong, not very pleasant
taste, but can be disguised in good sauces or vinegars. Any left over can be dried or placed
chopped in a jar and covered with vinegar to keep for months in the
refrigerator. It can also be added
to tea or made into it’s own decoction.
I generally like it better in combination with other herbs.
Recipe for Internal cleansing and Skin: (Made into capsules)
1 part
Burdock root powder
1 part Pau
D’ Arco powder
1 part
Black Walnut powder
1 part
Slippery Elm Bark
1 part
Chaparral powder
Found in: At T’s Tonics, this herb can be found in our Pain Relief Tea, Pain
Support Tonic, Strong Bone Tea and Kidney Tincture.
