Arctium lappa (Burdock) has been recorded for its multi faceted use starting with the Greek physician Dioscorides in the 1st century. Most people today primarily use the root but many in the past used the leaves to help reduce fevers, heal ulcers and wounds on the skin. The root has been used as food and medicine, healing everything from syphilis to kidney stones, epileptic seizures and everything in between.
One important benefit of Burdock is its ability to reduce chronic inflammation. It contains powerful antioxidants like quercetin, phenolic acids and luteolin, which all protect our cells from free radicals. It contains flavonoids and polyphenols that help reduce tumor development and the pain associated with them. It also keeps the skin healthy and can combat conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis.
Burdock is a natural diuretic so if you are taking water pills, it can cause dehydration. It is related to daisies and other ragweeds so it can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to that family. It also contains inulin which is helpful with digestion but for those who are sensitive to inulin, it can make you feel bloated after consumption.
I use Burdock root in my Hair Growth Tea. It contains the amino acids for building the protein that creates hair. It's nourishing and strengthening and it can soothe itchy scalps as well as improve growth and diminish dandruff. A fun fact, velcro actually came to be all because of the burdock burr. In 1941 the inventor, Georges de Mestral had these burrs clinging to his trousers after a walk in the woods and the idea for velcro came to be. 8 years of researching and many prototypes later Velcro was patented.
You can't go wrong with Burdock. It is a fantastic herb to have in your arsenal. You can always add it to other teas and enjoy it hot or cold.
Take good care, Jody