Burdock has the reputation for being a weed. Rumor has it that Velcro was created by a hunter who modeled it after the burrs that stuck to his pants after a hunting trip. The hunter might not have known, but burdock has medicinal qualities that help support the body.

Personal Story

My knowledge of burdock started in my youth. My dad was a farmer who didn’t like weeds to grow along with his corn or soybeans. We would take machetes and walk up and down the rows of the field hacking burdock and any other weeds that didn’t belong there. It was hot work, but we had some of the cleanest fields around when we finished! I didn’t know then that burdock was a plant that could be used as herbal medicine.

Medicinal Qualities

Burdock has the medicinal qualities of being a mild laxative and is best depurative, which means it purifies. It is thought to be one of the greatest depuritives. It is largely used for skin disorders or disorders which need increased elimination from the body.

Skin Disorders, especially when there is impaired nutrition or weak circulation.

• Since burdock root is antimicrobial, it has been used for skin infections like acne, eczema, psoriasis. It is utilized with many chronic skin disorders as a result.
• It has been used traditionally for sores, boils, sties, and abscesses and it treats impaired nutrition of the skin.
• Burdock has even been used for venereal and leprous disorders.

Elimination

• As a depurative, burdock improves detoxification and elimination to reduce accumulated metabolic waste products within the body.
• Burdock has been used for cystitis, rheumatism and gout. It increases joint activity, improves blood flow to the joints, and reduces morning stiffness in shoulders.

How to Use Burdock

• It can be used externally on skin eruptions and ulcers to speed healing.
• When used internally, it can stimulate healing from the inside out through bitter stimulation of digestive juices, blood purification, and its antimicrobial properties.
• Burdock root nourishes the blood.

Other Traditional Uses

• Anorexia nervosa
• Dyspepsia

Herb Safety

Burdock is Class 1, which means it is an herb which can be safely consumed when used appropriately. No clinical studies have been found which use burdock.

Action Step

Consult your health care provider if you are interested in seeing how burdock might provide support for your body.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing in the comment section.