2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Burdock / Arctium lappa / is a biennial herbaceous plant with an upright, rough and strongly branched stem at the bottom, which reaches a height of 2 meters. Burdock root is thick and spindle-shaped, white on the inside and gray-brown on the outside. The basal leaves of burdock are large, unevenly toothed with an ovoid shape, green in its upper part and light gray in its lower part with many hairs.
The upper leaves of burdock are consistent, smaller and green. The flowers of the plant are red-violet, in rare cases white. The fruits are slightly flattened fruit seeds in a kite. Burdock grows in field and foothill areas, in forests, shrubs, wet and swampy places.
Burdock is popular for its curved hooks that stick easily to clothes. In fact, the Latin name for the burdock Lappa means "to catch." In the 17th century, Culpeper discovered that the herb was a traditional remedy for gout, kidney stones and fever.
Burdock was also liked by Shakespeare, who mentioned it several times in his plays. Native Americans used the plant for food, even making candy from it. As a medicine, burdock was used by the Cherokees to treat rheumatism.
Composition of burdock
Burdock contains inulin, proteins, polysaccharides, organic acids, bitter, mucous, resinous and tannins, phytosterols, tannins, fats, glycosides, salts of calcium and magnesium, flavonoids, saponins, large amounts of iron, vitamin C. Burdock seeds contain essential fatty acids, vitamins A and B2. The root contains chemicals called polyacetylenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Burdock collection and storage
The roots of burdock are taken out in early spring or autumn. Wash under running water, cut into pieces and dry in the shade. Properly dried roots are fragile and break easily, they are dark brown on the outside, and their core is gray-yellow with a bitter taste, but no odor. Dried burdock should be stored in a ventilated room.
Benefits of burdock
The root of burdock there are a number of health benefits. This is an herb that has been known for its healing properties for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to treat many diseases.
The leaves are usually not as effective as the root, but both can be used in the same way. Burdock leaves are especially effective for stomach problems and indigestion, in addition to stimulating the appetite. The root is also used as a vegetable in Japan, but at the same time is considered the most important part of the herb.
It is used as a cleanser, to remove toxins from the body, for skin problems, arthritis pain. In China, burdock seeds are used to treat pleurisy and colds, which occur with a dry cough and sore throat. In India and Russia, the herb is a popular remedy for cancer.
In general, burdock stimulates metabolism; has a diuretic and diaphoretic effect; regulates blood pressure and sugar; destroys toxins in the blood; helps with hemorrhoids, acne, hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, varicose veins, liver disease; stimulates bile secretion; removes sand and stones in the kidneys and bladder; used in the treatment of dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea; helps with liver disease. Burdock is believed to have antitumor effects in liver disease.
The oil from burdock is an excellent tool for nourishing eyelashes and nails. It is also an indispensable tool in hair care. It strengthens capillary blood circulation and restores metabolism in the scalp, while strengthening and nourishing the hair roots. Use burdock oil for hair flowering; to nourish exhausted hair; in the presence of hair loss and dandruff; to restore hair shine.
Folk medicine with burdock
To make the infusion you need dried roots from burdock. 2 tsp ground dried roots are poured with 400 ml of boiling water, boiled for about 5-6 minutes and left to stand for 6 hours, then filtered. Drink 100 ml of the infusion 3 times daily before meals.
Burdock seed extract is made as 1 tsp. lightly crushed seeds are poured with 400 ml of cold water and left to stand overnight. In the morning, strain the extract and drink 100 ml 3 times daily before meals.
Harm from burdock
Burdock should not be used by nursing mothers and pregnant women. Not recommended for diarrhea. May cause irritation and redness on contact with skin. It is recommended to be used under medical supervision.
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Drink Burdock Tea For Good Digestion And Strong Immunity
Do you often have stomach pains due to digestive problems? Have you ever felt that you are more susceptible to disease and need to increase your immunity? Then you probably missed something that nature has given you - burdock tea! Burdock tea helps digestion.
