April: Burdock

Pamela Allen MH

Burdock also know as Arcticum lappa is a valuable common native plant. It grows in most any soil and likes a little moisture. It is found along creek beds above five thousand feet elevation in Idaho, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. 

The root of the plant is considered medicinal. It is nutritious being high in calcium, chromium, magnesiom, thiamin and inulin, potssium, sleniom, zinc, carotenes, fiber and the glucoside lappin. It is widely available in a variety of forms including teas, capsules and extracts and is generally considered safe for long term use.

Burdock's primarily strengthens the liver. It dialates the portal artery to clear congestion and helps the liver clean the blood. Due to this action is is beneficial to all inflammatory skin conditions and rashes.  

It is also considered alterative, demulcent, tonic and bitter acting on circulatory, respiratory and urinary systems. Being a lympatic declogger it helps cleanse the body of toxins and wastes especially those that have accumulated during an illness. To support and stimulate the immune system use burdock with astragalus. Use as a substitute for golden seal in formulas for colds and flu.

Alkalizing, cooling to the body, it's diurectic properties increase the flow of urine relieving inflammation of the kidneys helping clear excess wastes and uric acid. Burdock can be helpful for edema, rheumatism and gout.

Burdock can be eaten as a vegetable and is similar to a carrot. It is sold in Oriential markets as gobo. The root can be peeled, sliced crosswise then steamed or added to stir fry. 

Burdock root can be used as a poultice externally, or prepared as an herbal soak to close wounds and relieve skin irritations such as cold sore, hemorroids, fungal infections, psoriasis, impetigo and pimples. A useful addition to salves and balms.