Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

Beneficial Qualities

• Restores and cleanses the skin
• Purifies the blood, cleansing for tissue and organs (depurative i.e. purifying; purgative)
• Stimulates excretion of urine (diuretic)
• Stimulates transpiration (diaphoretic)
• Lowers blood sugar level (antidiabetic)
• Stimulates production of bile (choleretic)
• Stimulates secretion of bile (cholagogue)
• Tonic for liver and gall bladder
• Soothing for kidneys, bowels and the lymphatic system
• Detoxicant
• Fungicide
• Helps manage inflammations
• Mild laxative
• May prevents morbid growths (antineoplastic)

Beneficial Applications:

Historically or traditionally known functionally to support the body's physiology in dealing with:

• Normalizing Skin complaints such as acne, eczema, flaky skin, psoriasis, boils, dandruff, dermatitis, itchy skin, seborrhea, ringworm, staphylococcus, carbuncles, sores, rash, impetigo, pimples, erysipelas, very dry skin, cold sores, scrofula
• May help with reducing inflammation in gout, arthritis
• Kidney complaints, local fluid retention, stones in the kidneys or the bladder, cystitis
• Liver and gall bladder complaints, liver failure, stones in the gall bladder
• Mild cases of diabetes
• Promotes normal cholesterol in the blood
• Hair loss
• Prolapse of the womb
• Abscesses
• Digestive problems
• Mild headaches, hot flashes

Overview:
Centuries ago, burdock wine was in use as a cleansing agent, to counter constipation and problems resulting from stagnation in energy. Viscous fiber matter in the herb accelerates the bowel transportation, absorbs toxins from the intestines, restores intestinal flora, and has a soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the intestinal canal. The root historically is uses as a decoration.

The seeds are considered a tonic for the kidneys. Once In the skin, ultraviolet light transforms the polygenes in burdock into functional bactericidal and fungicidal substances.

Inulin is a wonderful prebiotic and an important component of burdock, a polysaccharide which means it is a carbohydrate that is only digestible by internal bacteria which then strengthen and improves your digestion. It provides an environment needed for the growth for your internal bacteria and in turn helps regulate balanced blood sugar levels. In addition to this, inulin serves as a helpful moderator for the regulation, structure, and function of the white blood cells, one of the foundations of your immune system.

Burdock root has very special properties that may help reduce cell mutations. Active ingredients include 45% inulin, (a long chain prebiotic) essential living oils, vitamins and a broad array of nutrient minerals. Traditional Chinese medicine considers burdock root to be a strengthening and cleansing herb, capable of deep cell detoxification. Burdock is very rich source of phytosterols. Burdock's active ingredients are arcigen, calcium (plant based), chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol.