Burdock Root

Medicinal Name: Arctium lappa

Properties: diuretic, hypoglycemic, antitumor, antibacterial. antifungal, antioxidant, hepatoprotective

Treatment: Heavy metal contamination, blood cleanser, ezcema, psoriasis, skin issues and acne, urinary issues, kidney issues, pancreas issues, gout

Burdock is one of the foremost detoxifying herbs in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine. It is used to treat conditions caused by an “overload” of toxins, such as throat and other infections, boils and rashes, and chronic skin problems. The root and the seeds help to cleanse the body of waste products, and the root is thought to be particularly good at helping to eliminate heavy metals.

Burdock was a traditional remedy for gout, fevers, and kidney stones. Studies in Germany (1967) and Japan (1986) showed that the polyacetylenes, especially within the fresh root, have an antibiotic effect. Also, burdock has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and diuretic and hypoglycemic (lowering blood-sugar levels) effects. It also seems to have an anti-tumor action.

Burdock is used in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine as a detoxifying herb. The seeds are used to remove toxins in fevers and infections such as mumps and measles, and the root helps the body to eliminate waste products in chronic skin and arthritic conditions.

Preparation: Decoction- bring roots to a boil then let simmer for 10-15 minutes

Caution: Use of burdock alone can cause a flare-up of skin conditions such as eczema. Use with dandelion root or yellow dock