Burdock Root: Arctium lappa L. Tr 1:3 45%

Burdock Root: Arctium lappa L. 

Common Names: Burdock (Greater), Bardane, Great or Thorny Burr, Beggar’s buttons, Clotbur, Cocklebur, Cockle Buttons
Family: Compositae
Part used: Roots, Dried aerial parts, seeds

Constituents:
Roots Bitter principle, Inulin (up to 50%), Lignans, including arctigenin (a weak tumour growth inhibitor), Polyacetylenes (antibiotic), Arctic acid, Sesquiterpenes, Amino acids, Acids (isovaleric, lauric, myristic, caffeic, chlorogenic), Dietary fibre
Seeds
15-30% fixed oils, Bitter glycoside (arctiin), Chlorogenic acid
Leaves
Arctiol, Fukinone, Taraxasterol

Actions:
Diuretic, Orexigenic (stimulates appetite), Alterative, Diaphoretic, Anti-rheumatic, Antiseptic, Depurative (blood purifier)

Traditional and current uses:
• Root Skin eruptions –acne, boils and abscesses, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis
• Rheumatism, arthritis, gout
• Cystitis
• Anorexia nervosa
• Reduces the effects of mutagens, being investigated as a possible treatment of certain tumours
• Digestive tonic
• Lowers blood sugar – may be helpful in diabetes
• Seeds
• Flu, measles, tonsillitis, colds, fever
• Kidney stones
• Leaves as poultices for bruises and skin eruptions
• As a treatment for falling hair, use as a rinse