Action: Alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, tonic demulcent.
Systems Affected: Blood, kidneys, general effects on the whole body.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried root, dose 2 – 6 grams by infusion.
Native to Europe, Burdock is now naturalized as a weed in many parts of the world. It prefers roadsides and wasteland on rich loamy soil but adapts to all kinds of soil. It is distinguished by its height (up to 2 meters), its purple flowers and its huge dock-like leaves which are whitish on the underside. Its stout root (up to 5 or 6 centimeters in diameter) extends vertically into the ground sometimes up to a depth of one meter.
Its seed-heads, covered with hooked spines or burrs, readily attach themselves to the coats of passing animals, by which means the plant is spread. Farmers consider it a nuisance on account of its tendency to invade pasture.
Burdock contains inulin (a form of starch commonly found in plants of the Compositae family), mucilage, a volatile oil and several antibiotic substances.
It is considered one of the finest alternatives or ‘blood purifiers’ in the herbal system. It increases resistance to infection and is an excellent remedy for all skin problems, especially psoriasis and eczema. It may be taken alone or combined to best effect with other alternatives such as Yellow Dock, Red Clover and Dandelion.
Its diuretic/alterative action, employed over an extended period, is useful in the treatment of rheumatism, gout, sciatica and lumbago. Its diuretic/demulcent action is used in the treatment of kidney and bladder complaints (especially cystitis). Its diaphoretic action is utilized to clear fevers and ‘hot conditions’ (boils, styes, carbuncles, rashes, infections and eruptive diseases such as measles). Burdock is a stimulant to the gustatory nerves and is sometimes used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Externally, Burdock is highly effective in the treatment of skin complaints. The root, leaves or seeds are applied, fresh or dried, as a compress, poultice or ointment to boils, abscesses, acne, pimples, bruises, inflammation and skin eruptions. Burdock is also applied as a tonic to the hair and scalp.
The one-year-old root is preferred for medicinal purposes. The fresh or dried seeds and leaves are sometimes used, most commonly for external application.
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