Burdock is a herbaceous perennial plant, part of the Asteraceae family. His real name is "Arctium iappa" but it is also known as "greater burdock" or "lappa burdock". Arctium The name comes from the Greek word for "bear" perhaps she was awarded for her looks shaggy and wild; Llap comes from Celtic and means "hand" because the flower is attached to anything they're close but could also result from Labein (stick).
This is easily recognized because it has the form of a bush, with strong branches of the heart-shaped leaves that are green on the upper side and a gray tone in the lower. The flowers are purplish red and bloom in summer. It grows very well in fallow fields, in meadows and damp places. The roots are gathered in the spring, during the second year of life of the plant; Instead the leaves are harvested and left to dry out between May and August.
As I said it is known for its ability to cleanse the skin and in fact is used in the treatment against pimples, seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. These properties have been known since ancient times in fact the plant was known as a cosmetic but also as a purifying food. According to folk medicine would be a good remedy against the bites of venomous animals and those of dogs infected with rabies.
Few people know that burdock comes from China, where it was cultivated for its beneficial properties in particular is believed that availed himself to the problems of the lungs and the flu, also was used to drive away evil spirits. It spread so in Japan where it was very taken into account as it is rich in fiber food, vitamins and minerals.
Burdock: properties and health benefits
The properties of burdock are due to its chemical composition: copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and zinc and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, vitamin C, vitamin E; It contains lignans, mucilage, tannins, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, inulin, an essential oil traces, and an active ingredient called arctiopicrina.
Among the healing properties of burdock we include:
- Balancing the dermis: burdock has the ability to treat dermal changes, whether it's eczema acne, rashes, fungal infection or psoriasis. This is due to the action of polyunsaturated compounds or phenolic acids with antibiotic properties, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
- Balancing sebum: This is essentially the main properties of the burdock, whether it is scalp or facial dermal excess sebum for example. The most used remedy in this case is the decoction of the root.
- purifying properties: burdock has diuretic and purifying, so it is very useful to combat the accumulation of toxins due to the presence of insulin, water retention and urinary tract infections. E ', therefore, considered an ally of the excretory organs or acts to cleanse the body.
- laxative properties: thanks to the mucilage , burdock is considered excellent for constipation and to regularize the intestines.
- Regularize the pressure: if you have high blood pressure, which tends to rise and fall, the potassium content in the root of burdock is very useful.
There are other unexpected properties, such as antibiotics, for example, even if mild, is also quite able to treat colds and seasonal illnesses and is good for rheumatism, is a good healing, as well as to regulate the sugar levels and cholesterol in the blood. Also having a good content of iron is recommended to combat anemia.
Burdock: all uses
Burdock is used throughout the plant, but especially the roots.
Decoction of burdock
It is prepared with 1 teaspoon of burdock root per 250 milliliters of water. Chop the root and pour in the water (cold); bring to a boil and boil a few minutes and turn off the heat. Cover and let steep for 10 min. Excellent for the preparation of decoctions diuretics, to lower cholesterol and sugars, adjust the pressure and for the antibacterial properties.
The cold decoction is also useful for outdoor use, such as wraps or it can be mixed with clay to have a purifying mask. And 'also useful in case of rheumatism and wounds to heal or to soothe an excessive itching in case of insect bites (better in this case to step on a handful of fresh leaves and use those). The decoction of burdock can also be used as a lotion for topical use, intended to oily skin, with blacks points and predisposed to acne or seborrhea.
The decoction is also great for making masks for hair with henna neutral basis and for rinses along with shampoo.
In herbal medicine include herbal teas and tincture, recommended to purify the liver and antibiotic properties, to be taken according to the indicated dose.
Herbal tea burdock
It is prepared by putting in infusion 10 g of chopped roots in 300 ml of boiling water, for a dozen minutes.
This tea is usually taken in the morning, on an empty stomach and it's great to purify the body, to stimulate diuresis, to prevent inflammation of the urinary tract and to improve metabolic functioning.
The roots and leaves can also be eaten in salads, raw or boiled.
Contraindications of burdock
- Individuals allergic or hypersensitive to Asteraceae should avoid taking it.
- Do not take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- If you have diabetes treated with drugs is indispensable medical advice.
- Do not give to children.
- In the case of chronic illnesses to seek advice from a doctor.
- In case of side effects, but these are not yet known, stop taking the remedies.
I remind the reader that this article wants to be informative only, therefore does not contain medical prescriptions. Before taking any natural remedy to seek the advice of the doctor.
