Burdock has several other names, namely:great burdock, burdock officinalis, cocklebur, tinea grass or Napolier. This plant is part of the Asteraceae family. It is recognized by its red or pink tubular flowers and its large leaves, the shape of which is reminiscent of a heart. In Europe, it is found almost everywhere except around the Mediterranean. It is possible to pick it in the meadows, along the paths or in the mountain pastures. Burdock has many therapeutic virtues and its roots and leaves are used.
This plant has been used in China for a very long time as well as in India to treat abscesses, rheumatism and respiratory infections. In the Middle Ages, burdock was used to treat certain cancers, STDs, skin problems, gout, kidney and bladder disorders. Native American women also used it to speed up uterine contractions during childbirth. In China, burdock is called Ngau Pong and Gobo in Japan. The fresh root is a vegetable. With the twentieth century, burdock is the subject of two preparations in the USA and Canada to fight cancer.
The German E commission indicated in 1990 that the data on burdock are insufficient to attribute to burdock a therapeutic effect. In-vitro tests on animals have been carried out and it has been recognized that burdock root has several actions such as:
Despite all of these promising findings, trials have not been pursued on humans.
Burdock in herbalism has been used for centuries to help the body to purify itself through depurative, diuretic, sudorific, antitumor and antiseptic actions. Thus, burdock is still registered in the pharmacopoeia to possess a large number of properties. He is credited with:
In any case, before using burdock, you should seek advice from your doctor.
Burdock is said to be effective in helping to treat acne. The root contains a polysaccharide as well as flavonoids, poly-acetylenes and phenolic acids which exert a regulating action on the sebaceous glands. Burdock root can be combined with wild pansy to treat acne, but also with dandelion or nettle as a diuretic to drain the liver. It has been noticed that burdock would also be effective on other skin problems such as eczema, scabs, cracks and insect bites. Burdock is a natural remedy for psoriasis and can be used in herbal tea or essential oils.
To have a healthy scalp, we can use burdock which would have a cutaneous stimulating action. It would even help to slow hair loss, but this last action is not scientifically proven.
To prepare a burdock infusion, put 5 grams of dried leaves in a liter of boiling water and let stand for 10 minutes. It is recommended to drink two cups a day.
To prepare a decoction of burdock, put 40 grams of roots in a liter of water and boil the mixture for 10 minutes. For about ten days, it is possible to drink two to three cups a day, but you must ask a doctor about the possibility of using this decoction according to the needs and the pain felt.
One can use 2 to 3 capsules per day containing burdock root powder to help treat certain ailments on medical advice. When taking, drink a large glass of water.
Burdock mother tincture is also called hydroalcoholic extract. The usual dosage of this product is 10 to 30 drops per day in a glass of water three times a day.
It was tested on women aged 39 to 65, an emulsion prepared with extracts of burdock fruit. A reduction in facial wrinkles was observed after 4 weeks of application and a marked improvement in the skin after 12 weeks.
Burdock is contraindicated in cases of allergies to Asteraceae, but also to pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is recommended to be careful in case of hypoglycemic treatment, because it also has the power to lower blood sugar.
Care should be taken with medications or supplements with hypoglycemic or antiplatelet properties.
