Parts used: Root (First year roots gathered in the fall.)
Properties: alterative, nutritive, mucilaginous, alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, urinary tonic, demulcent, bitter, laxative, vulnerary,
Nutrients: Amino acids, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Gifts: Burdock is a strong alterative – sometimes called a blood purifier. It does this by strengthening the kidneys and liver, which in turn helps to clean up the circulatory system. Burdock is a strong ally for those dealing with skin problems such as boils, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne, and herpes. It’s revered as an anti-tumor herb and is one of the ingredients of the Essiac formula. Used long term it helps strengthen the immune system and nourish intestinal flora – a great ally to use after a round of antibiotics. Burdock is a cooling herb that helps us to feel grounded and stable.
Keep it simple: Burdock is a grounding herb that strengthens the immune system, kidneys, and liver. It’s especially useful for those dealing with skin problems, from blemishes to tumors.
Burdock is like a cleaning woman, or garbage collector: essential to modern life, but underpaid and undervalued. She’s the old black rag-a-muffin of herbs.
Ellen Greenlaw 1988
