Burdock root uses for pain and skin

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.