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Herbs > Burdock (Arcticum Lappa)
Also known as: Lappa, beggar’s buttons, thorny burr and happy major.
Although its name suggests a
relation to Docks, burdock is a member of the thistle
family. Its most notable feature is its seeds head,
or burs, which attach themselves to animals and
clothes.
Healing uses:
Burdock is excellent for treating a wide
range of skin problems, including eczema, acne,
boils, psoriasis, styes and herpes. 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. 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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Index
Quick Reference
Alfalfa
Aloe Vera
Arnica
Asafoetida
Betel Leaves
Bishop’s Weed
Blessed Thistle
Burcock
Cascara Sagrada
Cardamom
Chamomile
Chaparral
Chicory
Cinnamon
Comfrey
Coriander
Curry Leaves
Dandelion
Echinacea
Euphrasia
Fenugreek
Garlic
Ayurvedic Garlic
Ginger
Aurvedic Ginger
Ginko Biloba
Ginseng
Goji
Gotu Kola
Guarana
Henna
Holy Basil
Hoodia Gordonii
Horny Goat Weed
Hyssop
Isapghula
Kalonji
Kava
Lavender
Liquorice
Mullien
Sage
Sandalwood
Sarsaparilla
St Johns Wort
Tee Tree
Thyme
Tribulus
Turmeric
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