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Herbs > Burdock (Arcticum Lappa)
Also known as: Lappa, beggar’s buttons, thorny burr and happy major, Arctium
lappa is commonly called greater burdock, gobo, edible burdock, lappa, or
beggar's buttons. It's a biennial plant of the Arctium (burdock) genus in the
Asteraceae family, cultivated in gardens for its root used as a vegetable. It
can also be an invasive weed in high-nitrogen soils.
Although its name suggests a
relation to Docks, burdock is a member of the thistle
family. Its most notable feature is its seed heads
or burs, which attach themselves to animals and
clothes.
Healing uses:
Burdock root is a medicinal herb and food that has powerful anti-tumor,
anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.
Burdock root is one of the top recommended herbal remedies for cancer due to the
belief that it can stop cancer cells from metastasizing and it is one of the
star ingredients of the famous natural cancer remedy known as Essiac tea. It is
also highly beneficial for colds, flu, sore throats, bronchial congestion,
ulcers, gallstones, anemia, kidney stones, chicken pox, gout, measles, strep
throat, urinary tract infections, bladder infections, hepatitis, and enlarged
prostates.
Burdock is excellent for treating a wide
range of skin problems, including eczema, acne,
boils, psoriasis, styes and herpes.
Method; Bring 2 litres of
water to the boil, and add 3 tablespoons of cut,
dried burdock root.
Reduce the temperature and simmer
for 7 minutes.
Remove from the heat, cover and allow
to steep for 2 hours.
This can be drunk as a tea, and
also used as a wash for the affected areas of the
skin.
The tea works by cleansing sweat and oil gland
from within, and so is excellent as a general detoxicant as well.
Regular consumption of this tea
is also beneficial for easing constipation, reducing
cholesterol and, as a mouthwash, healing mouth
ulcers. Including an equal portion of dandelion root
to the tea which ease pain associated with arthritis,
gout and rheumatism.
A poultice of crushed or wet
burdock leaves reduces the swelling of glands caused
by colds and flu's. It is also effective for
alleviate swelling associated with sprains.
Burdock can be used in
combination with catnip to eliminate kidney stones
and gallstones. This is a fairly involved process,
but well worth it, as it will move even the most
stubborn stones.
Method; Add 2 tablespoons of chopped root,
either fresh or dried, to boiling water.
Cover and
simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat and
add 3 teaspoons of chopped catnip.
Leave for 1 hour,
then strain. Take in 1 cup doses, adding 1 teaspoon
of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of maple syrup to
sweeten.
Drink the mixture very slowly, and follow
with a teaspoon of pure olive oil 10 minutes later.
Repeat this three times daily until the stones are
gone.
While undertaking this treatment, do not
consume fried foods, refined carbohydrates or red
meat.
Other uses:
As well as being a beneficial medicinal
herb, burdock The young leaf-stalks can be cooked and
used in the same way as celery. The roots can be used
raw in salads, cooked like carrots or added to
stir-fries.
Growing burdock:
Burdock can be grown from seed, which should
be sown in Spring. It grows best in moist, alkaline
soil in the sun. In favourable conditions, it will
freely self-seed. The young leaf stalks should be
gathered in Spring. The roots are harvested in Autumn
and if being used for medicinal, rather than
culinary, purposes, should be dried in a
well-ventilated space.
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Alfalfa
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