Burdock Arctium Lappa
Part Used – Leaves picked in summer, Roots dug in spring or autumn & seeds gather in autumn.
Habit – Hedgerows, wood edges & waste grounds.
Actions – Adaptogenic, antioxidant, diuretic, astringent, bitter liver tonic, digestive, demulcent, antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, antifungal. Regulates action of sebaceous glands in skin.
Using Burdock – it is a significant detoxing herb. Know as a blood purifier, it’s is special attribute to stimulate the release of waste products from the cells. Herbal blood purifiers have the associated virtue of cleansing the skin.
Skin
Burdock is known for remarkable effects on skin conditions arising from imbalance, as in dry or scaly skin, eruptions as in acne,boils, eczema & psoriasis It is very helpful with teenage acne. It improves the action of sebaceous glands & aids the detoxifying work of the liver. In a hot decoction it stimulates diaphoresis, reduces fever & clears toxins via skin bringing out eruptions & speeding recovery from infections such as measles & chicken pox.
Immune system
Burdock root is used to break down excess uric acid in the joints that leads to gout. It also relieves arthritis & swollen prostate. Due to it antibacterial, antiviral & anti fungal it can be used for acute chronic infections including shingles. Its antimicrobial actions burdock enhances immunity to colds & coughs.A decoction of the root & seed is helpful against a tooth-ache.
Digestion
Due to burdock been bitter, this helps to stimulate the digestive fluids & promote appetite & digestion & helps to relieve wind, distension , heartburn, acidity & indigestion. It has a mild laxative effect & with it antimicrobial actions, it helps clear toxins from the guy & regulate gut flora.
Reproductive system
The root stimulates the uterus, aids liver function & the breakdown of hormone & helps to regulate hormones. It can be used in a herbal formula to help with PMS, irregular & painful periods & menopause. It was traditionally used for prolapse, it imparts strength before & after childbirth.
Urinary system.
It acts as a mild diuretic , aiding the elimination of toxins via the urine. It is helpful for cystits, water retention , stones & gravel.
Recipes
Nerve Tonic – Energizing & Revitalizing
2 parts Dandelion Root
2 parts Siberian ginseng
1 part Astragalus
1 part Burdock root
1 part Cinnamon
1 part Licorice Root
1/2 part Ginger
1/2 Cardomom seeds
Combine the herbs & prepare as a decoction. Drink 1 cup three times a day
Cradle Cap
Tea give this warm herbal blend to the infant. 2 Teaspoons three/four times for several weeks
1 part Burdock Root
1 part Mullein Leaf
1 part Red Clover Flower.
Mix herbs together use 1 tablespoon of herb mixture to 1 cup of boiling water steep for 30 mins.
Women’s Reproductive Tonic Tea
This tea is a strong tonic for both liver & the reproductive organs. For flavor try adding orange peel to the blend.
3 part Licorice Root
1 part Burdock root
1 part Vitex
1 part Dandelion Root
1/2 Part Cinnamom
1/2 part Ginger.
Prepare as a decoction. Drink 3 to 4 cups daily for at least 4 months.
Magical Uses.
Planet – Venus , Element – Water, Powers – Protection & Healing Cast around the home to ward off negativity. Add to protection incenses & use in such spells. Gather burdock roots during the waning moon, dry & then cut them into small pieces. String these on red thread like beads & carry fro protection against evil & negativity.
Green Blessing – Laura x