Burdock
Natural Healing Herbs
Burdock is an herb commonly used to purify and detoxify the body. The root is usually used but other parts of the plant can be used too.
Other Names
This herb is also known as thorny burr, love leaves, beggar's buttons, cockle buttons, fox's clote, lappa, happy major, clot-bur, philanthropium, and personata.
Appearance
This plant lives for two years and the young and old plant both have a different appearance. In the first year of life the plant grows large green leaves that grow right out of the ground. The leaves have white hairs on the underside. In the second year of life the plant grows a spiny purple and green flower in the spring that becomes a spiny brown burrs. These burrs contain the plant's seeds. The seeds are spread when the burrs stick to clothing or an animal's fur. The plant grows a thick root that grows straight down into the ground.
Origins
The plant is native to Europe and Asia.
Parts Used
The root, leaves and fruits are used.
Medicinal Uses
This herb contains calcium, iron, arcigen, potassium, and assorted fatty acids. It is known as a liver detoxifier but can also be used to treat:
- eczema
- rosacea
- psoriasis
- acne
- arthritis
- gout
- flu
- liver disorders
You can by this herb and many others at Mountain Rose Herbs.
Side Effects and Warnings
This herb resembles belladonna or deadly nightshade. When taking this herb be sure you are getting it from a good pure source.
There few known side effects from the use of this herb, but you should still be careful if you are taking prescription medication or other herbal products.
Don't take it if you are nursing or pregnant.
If you found this information useful, check out my complete listing of herbs at my Herb Index. You can find a listing of ailments and their natural treatments on my Free Home Remedies page.
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