Presentation of burdock
It is in the East that burdock (Arctium lappa) made its appearance, especially in China and India. It was used by healers of the time, because they discovered its potential to treat respiratory infections, joint pain, but also abscesses. In France, it was in the Middle Ages that it began to enter into customs… and pharmacies. In Asia, the burdock root is also eaten as a vegetable. At the end of the 20th century, animal and in vitro tests confirmed the therapeutic virtues of this plant. Burdock grows spontaneously in many areas thanks to an ingenious seed dissemination system.
Properties and benefits of burdock
The list of benefits of burdock is long. Indeed, the plant is effective against many ailments. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, anti-tumor, antiplatelet, antimutagen… these are some of the many virtues of this plant. It has even been used in the Hoxsey formula to fight cancer. Depending on its dosage, it can be effective externally or internally. It is also sudorific and purifying (it promotes the elimination of toxins by the liver). It is particularly appreciated for detox cures.
On the skin, it relieves itching and heals all types of skin diseases, including acne, eczema and psoriasis. It can also be used for aesthetic reasons, because it fights the effects of skin aging and it even slows down hair loss.
Use of burdock
Who says many benefits, says many dosages. Indeed, depending on the desired effect, it will have to be ingested or applied. In its purifying, soothing and detoxifying application, burdock can be prepared as an infusion or as a decoction. To do this, we use the leaves and roots at the rate of one teaspoon per 500 ml of water. As a cure, this preparation is taken three times a day. It is also possible to use it as an extract or mother tincture.
For those who prefer, burdock is also sold in capsule form. As for the external application which is used against all types of skin problems, the method is old, but effective. Crush the burdock leaves and roots by heating them a little, put the mixture in a fine cloth and apply locally.
Contraindications of burdock
Burdock is not dangerous, however, it is not recommended for some people, especially young children, pregnant women and young mothers who breastfeed their babies. It is also to be avoided in those who suffer from kidney stones, because it can block the urinary tract. Finally, make sure you do not have an allergy to this family of plants, the Asteraceae. In any case, it is always recommended to consult your doctor before undergoing a cure.
