The herb Burdock (Arctium lappa) was well known to the ancient Greeks as a useful remedy for many human afflictions. Over 500 years ago the Japanese used Burdock for its healing power. It was also used in England for what was then referred to as a weak stomach. This herb has healing powers in its roots, its greens and the seeds. The variety of ailments it is credited with helping include, liver problems, stomach pain, acne, scalp treatment (improves hair strength), prevent hair loss, blood purifier and itching scalp. The greens can be boiled and eaten like its relative the artichoke. This food staple has long been a favorite of the Japanese. They also stir-fry it with other vegetables.

Five hundred years of use cannot be taken lightly, when you consider Burdock’s apparent history of safe use. Scalp and skin conditions are certainly an area for considering its use. Loss of hair in men and women is a huge business. This may be a good fit in the treatment of this condition. Its use for an occasional sour stomach may also be taken under advisement. Arthritis and Gout are two other areas where a natural remedy may do the job and eliminate more aggressive medicines. A natural, side effect free, herb is worth trying first. With no known precautions other than pregnancy, Burdock would be worth a try first. Many doctors are now agreeing with that regimen of treatment.

Burdock grows readily in the wild and does well in most soil conditions. It is just a common weed to most people who see it growing along the side of the road or next to an old outbuilding. Burdock can reach heights of four feet and has large leaves and a purple flower when in bloom. The seed of the plant has hooked prickles, which will catch on most any animal passing by. It was this ability to catch on clothes and animals that inspired, George de Mestral, to invent Velcro. Burdock can heal humans as well as be the instigator of a multi-million dollar industry.

Another benefit of trying Burdock first, is the treatment regimen may be less expensive than a prescription drug regimen. If it works, then this is not only a safer way but also a less costly way of dealing with the problem. The natural way has been part of Europe’s medical practice for many years; other countries are just starting to catch on.

Burdock is available in tinctures, extracts, and in dried forms. Burdock is also found in salves.

Modern medicine is finding that the uses of this herb are well founded due to the chemical makeup of the plant. The oil from the root is used to maintain the scalp and promote a healthy head of hair. It is the nutrients, phytosterols and essential fatty acids, in this herb oil, that help maintain the needs of the hair follicles.

Burdock should be applied directly as a Tincture and internally as a tea or pill. It has been found to be extremely helpful in these cases.

Drinking a tea made from Burdock has been suggested for centuries as a way to relieve a stomach or digestive disorder. It also is an effective diuretic. Even today it is still believed to help relieve liver ailments.

Gout pain, like other inflammatory ailments, can be relieved by external use of the Tincture and internal taking of the Burdock tea or pill.

Early stages of syphilis have been seen to respond to Burdock since it helps to clear the body of toxins and help/strengthen the immune system.

Burdock is a known diuretic and as such can reduce or eliminate kidney pain. Some natural practitioners also use it to induce sweating. The purpose of both inducements is to rid the body of built up toxins.

Burdock when used as a decoction can be applied directly to a sore and it will promote healing and drying out of the weeping sore.

There are no known side effects to report at this time. But the testing on this herb has not been as extensive as on many of the other herbs. There have been no known reports of interaction with other herbs or prescription drugs. But the testing has not been as extensive as on other herbs.

Burdock while being an extremely effective herb has also been found to be very safe. Excessive handling of the seeds or the leaves does irritate some people, due to the oily nature of these parts of the plant. There were reported illnesses and deaths, but when looked into it was found that Burdock had been contaminated with belladonna or deadly nightshade. Their roots are very similar. This means that a user should be aware of the source of the Burdock.

As with most herbs and drugs, the use while pregnant is not recommended.

The reason for this is Burdock has been reported to tighten the Uterus. This could cause a miscarriage.