Organic Burdock Root A powerful blood purifier....Burdock root is a famous detoxifying agent. Its diuretic effect helps the kidneys quickly filter impurities from the blood. The volatile oils in burdock promote sweating to further eliminate toxins through the skin. Burdock i ncreases circulation to the skin, helping to detoxify skin tissue. This purification removes the burden from the kidneys and liver. Burdock also contains a carbohydrate called inulin, which strengthens the liver.

Burdock's ability to flush impurities from the body has several positive consequences. It purifies the blood without side effects. When the body is in balance, indicators of ill health, such as chronic skin problems, disappear. The detoxification effect relieves acne and boils on the face and neck. Burdock is also used for skin conditions that result in dry and scaly skin, such as psoriasis and eczema.

The polyacetylenes in burdock inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. This prevents infections, especially skin infections, cystitis, colds and flu. Inulin is a powerful immune system regulator; it is thought to attach to the surface of white blood cells and make them work better. In animal studies, inulin activated immune cells to attack cancer cells. Burdock also contains copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, biotin, zinc, iron, amino acids, mucilage, and vitamins B1, B6, B12, and E.

III. HOW TO USE BURDOCK ROOT

Make a Decoction (Burdock tea): place l teaspoonful of the root into a cup of water, bring to boil and simmer for l0-l5 minutes. Drink 1 cup, three times a day.

Make a Tincture: soak 1 cup dried burdock root in high-proof vodka to cover, in an airtight jar. Shake daily for three weeks, then strain. Take ½ teaspoon three times a day.

In large quantities, Burdock root may stimulate the uterus, stimulate lymph flow or cause a skin reaction. Diabetics should monitor their blood sugar level, as inulin is a sugar. Do not take burdock if you have had your gallbladder removed.

IV. CHICKEN POX BATH SOAK

Place 1 cup burdock root into a saucepan of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Add all but ½ cup of the tea to a warm (not hot) bath and soak. The tea will soothe irritated skin and help draw the sores. After your bath, make a compress with the reserved tea and apply to the affected area. This soak works for most boils, and for boil-type acne.

Burdock

Botanical Name: Arctium lappa Plant Family: Compositae Common Names: Bardana, Beggar's Buttons, Burr Seed, Cockle Burr, Fox's Clote, Lappa, Lappa minor, Thorny Burr

History: The word arctium comes from the Greek arktos, 'to bear' and lappa, 'to seize' or the Celtic llap, 'a hand'. The word Burdock comes from French bourre which is from the Latin burra, 'a lock of wool' and 'dock' from its large leaves. Culpepper says that this herb 'is under Venus and you may draw the womb which way you plerase, either upwards by applying it to the crown of the head ... or downwards...by applying it to the soles of the feet;....stay in its place, apply it to the navel...'

Tradition: Burdock is added to potpourri in the house used in protective amulets and sachets to ward off all sorts of negativity

Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, root and fruit (seeds)

Contains: fixed oils inulin Lappin (bitter, crystalline glucoside) mucilage resin starch (root) sugar tannic acid volatile oils

Action: alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition] antiscorbutic [a source of Vitamin C for curing or preventing scurvy] aperient [a mild stimulant producing a natural movement of the bowels; a gentle purgative] blood purifier [agent to purify blood] cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines] demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation] diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system] diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration] mucilaginous [characterized by a gummy or gelatinous consistency]

Fruit (seeds): affects the sebaceous and sudorific glands demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation] relaxant tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]

Burdock Root is used for....

Gastrointestinal Conditions stimulates the digestive organs stomach ailments