Burdock Root: Materia Medica

Société Apothecary

SUMMARY Burdock root is a wonderful detoxifying, nutritive Spring herb. MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Arctium lappa Common Name(s) : Burdock root, Gobo TCM Name : niúbàng Ayurvedic Name : Quora Family: Asteraceae Physical Description of the Plant: Burdock is a biennial, growing as a basal rosette in the first year. The lower leaves are large, often a foot long with gray fine short hairs on the underside. The upper leaves are smaller. The second-year plant can grow to several meters tall. The clustered flowers are purple and in capitula (a head of small closely packed florets), covered in hooked bracts that catch on animal fur and clothing. The root can grow as deep as three feet Habitat: Burdock thrives along river banks, disturbed habitats, roadsides, vacant lots, and fields. It grows throughout North America except in the southernregions. Harvest and Collection: Burdock root accumulates toxins and pollutants so should be harvested at least 50 feet from roads and away from roof drip lines, areas where chemicals are sprayed, and well away from industrial areas. For the best, most nutritious roots, harvest first year plants in the fall. First-year plants won't have a seed stalk. Burdock root may also be dug up in the spring of the second year before the seed stalk has come up. Parts of the Plant Used: Root harvested just after the first year root has finished growing (biennial). Qualities: Consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oils. Chemical Constituents: Tannin Arctigenin Arctiin Beta-eudesmol Caffeic acid Chlorogenic acid Inulin Trachelogenin 4 Sitosterol-beta-D-glucopyranoside Lappaol Diarctigenin Minerals Vitamins B1, B2, C, K, and A Carotene Polysaccharides (inulin) Flavonoids Lignans Mucilage Pectin Taste: sweet, slightly bitter. Actions: detoxifying nutritive alterative bitter tonic lymphatic diuretic Indications: skin and surfaces of the body, intestines. Contraindications/Cautions: may cause allergic reactions to those sensitive to Asteraceae plants. Drug Interactions: Burdock Root tea may reduce the requirements for insulin, based on its effectiveness for helping to normalize blood sugar levels. Therefore it is recommended that diabetics consult with a health care practitioner. Burdock also has Vitamin K which is contra-indicated with blood thinners. Dosage: Decoction : simmer the root for at least 20 min to extract the inulin, then drink with the root still in the cup, 3-4 oz 2-3 times a day. Tincture : 2 - 4 mL of a 1:5 in 40%, three times a day. Cold Infusion: ½ to 1 cup drunk twice a day for two weeks for skin conditions. Combinations: combined with red root for lymphatic clearing, liver congestion. Energetics: Neutral to dry, cool. Folklore: ‘piskies’ or ‘pixies’ a race of fairies or ‘small people’ are said to amuse themselves at night by riding colts furiously around the fields and plaiting their manes, or tangling them with ‘Billy buttons’ [i.e. the burrs] of burdock. Flower Essence: Grounded Release –Use Burdock for cleansing and clearing various aspects of consciousness. Physically, Burdock helps to clear out toxic congestion in the brain that can lead to dementia. There can be a greater ability to assimilate new information. The essence seems to rejuvenate the brain, clearing distractions from the thoughts and bestowing the ability to stick to a task. It keeps you firmly grounded in reality, rather than living in fanciful daydreams or floating around in the ether. It is very grounding. Burdock flower essence helps people become centered, focused. . There can be a deep ability to project thoughts that might prove helpful when training or working with animals. Burdock also helps people to have a less bristly and irritated outlook on life. This is a useful essence for releasing all types of anger, grief, sadness, despair and bitterness. It can be used as a support for those addicted to recreational drugs, food or alcohol because it supports patience, kindness and endurance. Burdock also helps people end codependent or dependent relationships and eases many fears associated with these endings. Helps shift old emotional habit patterns. Burdock brings a sense of calm and peace. Burdock brings a powerful wave of clearing and cleansing energy to the etheric body. Burdock flower essence needs to be taken long term for effects on the etheric body. Applications: Used as a detoxifying herb Good for detoxifying the skin for conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and others Improves digestion Increases the movement of the lymph and increases the movement of the blood towards the capillaries RECIPES BURDOCK BROWN RICE AND MUSHROOMS INGREDIENTS 4 large mushrooms of your choice 1 tbsp. olive oil 1 medium burdock root Cold, salted water for soaking burdock root 2 cups cold water for cooking rice 1 cup long-grain brown rice 1 grated carrot 1/2 tsp. sea salt INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut mushrooms into small pieces. Scrub burdock and whittle into slivers – then place them into the cold, salted water. Soak for 5 minutes. Drain and place burdock into a pan with 2 cups water, olive oil, rice, mushrooms, carrots and salt. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally. Remove from stove and place into a lightly greased casserole dish – cover and bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover, fluff and let stand 5 minutes before serving. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Recent studies show that burdock contains phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin - all are powerful antioxidants. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20981575 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25350500 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25005949 References: Bone, K. (2003). A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Hoffman, D. (1996). The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal. Element Books LTD. Fetrow, Charles & Juan Avila (2000). The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. New York, NY: Pocket Books. Ody, Penelope (1993). The Complete Medicinal Herbal. New York, New York: Dorling Kindersley. Gladstar, Rosemary (2012). Medicinal Herbs. A beginner's guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. Groves, Maria Noel (2016). Body into Balance. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. Thayer, Samuel (2006). Forager’s Harvest. Birchwood, WI: Forager’s Harvest. Foster, Steven (1993). Herbal Renaissance. Layton, UT: Peregrine Smith Books. McIntyre, Anne (2010). The Complete Herbal Tutor. London, England: Hatchet Company. https://thewellspring.org/red-root-common-western-herb-used-chinese-medicine-practice/ http://www.alwaysayurveda.com/arctium-lappa/ http://www.ediblewildfood.com/burdock.aspx http://www.herballegacy.com/Light_Contra.html http://www.lichenwood.com/essencesaf.html http://www.plant-lore.com/plantofthemonth/burdock/ Three Burdock Root Recipes to Try at Home Burdock Root Detox Tea 1 tablespoon dried burdock root 2 cups water Honey or lemon (optional) Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the dried burdock root and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Strain the tea into a cup and add honey or lemon if desired. Enjoy this cleansing tea warm, particularly after meals. Burdock Root Vinegar Tonic 1 cup fresh burdock root, thinly sliced 2 cups apple cider vinegar A sterilized glass jar with a lid Place the sliced burdock root into the sterilized jar. Pour the apple cider vinegar over the root, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Seal the jar with the lid and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain the vinegar into a clean bottle for use. Use this tonic as a salad dressing base or dilute with water for a zesty health boost. Burdock Root Stir-Fry 1 cup fresh burdock root, julienned 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 1 clove garlic, minced 1 carrot, julienned Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the burdock root and carrot, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender. Add the soy sauce and sesame seeds, stirring to combine. Serve warm as a nutritious side dish. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before incorporating new herbs into your regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication.