There are several human clinical trials that have investigated the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-acne properties of burdock. Burdock has long been considered to support a healthy liver which will help support anti-inflammatory properties and healthy skin.
Parts of plant used
Roots
Latin Name
Arctium lappa
Recently, a human clinical trial tested burdock tea for osteoarthritis for the knee, read the results here.
If you are not quite sure how to make burdock tea, here is how to make burdock tea in 4 steps
Other names for Burdock include
– Lappa
– Clotbur
– Thorny burr
– Cockle buttons
– Beggar’s buttons
Phytochemicals in burdock
Glycosides, flavonoids, polysaccharides, antibiotic substances, vitamin A and vitamin C, minerals
Medicinal Uses
Supports and tone the liver
Burdock is very popular and has a long history of use for supporting liver function. Burdock is considered to be a gentle liver cleanser.
Cleans the blood
Burdock helps clean the blood. During this process it is not uncommon for the skin outbreaks during this time as toxins are released. Another function of burdock is to support kidneys which also help cleanse the blood. *Another way to support the blood cleansing process is to add dandelion and stinging nettles.
Anger and Tension Relief
Burdock helps release anger and frustration.
Recently, a clinical trial tested burdock tea for osteoarthritis for the knee, read the results here.
Clears skin outbreaks
Burdock can help support hormone imbalances that are often another cause of skin outbreaks.
Improves liver and gallbladder function
Excess bile and backup of bile is another complication that burdock can help support. The gallbladder works in a close relationship with the liver which makes it essential that both are working. Burdock can support gall bladder function to improve digestion and absorption of key nutrients.
Herbal Pharmacy Recipes
Decoction – 1 or teaspoons per cup, Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes while covered. 1 to 3 cups per day
Tincture – 10 to 20 drops. 1 to 3 times per day
Harvesting
The Burdock plant is quite large and can spread up to 6 feet wide. The broad leaf can be more than 12 inches in width similar to Rhubarb. There are purple flowers which have a spikey layer surrounding them.
Burdock is often considered a noxious weed and is very hard to remove as the roots penetrate deep into the earth.
Often the burdock plant will grow near the nettles plant.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Herbal Pharmacy
Herbal Pharmacy – Blood root 
Herbal Pharmacy – Angelica 
Herbal Pharmacy – Bistort 
Herbal Pharmacy – Borage