How Does Burdock Root Cleanse the Body?
Author: SusannahSinger Total views: 4 Word Count: 515
We have probably all walked through a field, only to be annoyed by the pesky burrs stuck to our socks or pant legs. But the root of that plant is a major ingredient of a wide variety of healthy remedies. Burdock (officially Arctium lappa) grows wild in Europe, Asia, and North America. The root is sweet and has a gummy consistency but the leaves are bitter like dandelion. The stalks taste a little like celery.
Some of burdocks secret ingredients include calcium, arcigen, essential oil, chlorogenic acid, inulin, flavonoids, mucilage,lactone, polyacetylenes, resin, potassium, tannin, and taraxosterol. It contains vitamins C and B3 (niacin), as well as significant amounts of chromium, magnesium, copper, and iron. The trace amounts of organic mercury in the root make it ideal for mercury detox formulas.
Historically, burdock seeds were used to make a mixture that eased pain from arthritis. It was also used to treat rheumatism, gout, ulcers, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. These seeds contain beneficial fatty acids and the oil from the seeds can increase perspiration, cleansing the body during influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders. It also helps cleans the kidneys. The burdock tea or just the leaves or tea can be used to treat poison ivy or poison oak. Some just like to eat the leaves or roots as a food.
The root is best known as a blood purifier. This may be related to its diuretic properties. Many of the ingredients in the seeds are also in the roots, like beneficial oils, iron, and inulin. The root serves as a gentle laxative and will help rid the body of uric acid. Polyacetylenes are also present in the root, substances known to fight both fungus and bacteria.
Traditionally, burdock root has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and believe it to be effective in treating barrenness and impotence.
Externally, the burdock root extract has been used in Europe to treat dandruff and encourage healthy hair growth. Patients simply massaged burdock root oil into their scalp. Also, arctigenin, a substance in burdock, may be effective in slowing cancerous tumor growth. The root contains Essiac and Hoxsey, both ingredients of cancer treatment medications.
Burdock is easily obtainable as an ingredient in teas, ointments, Bur oil, or pills. Many herbalists say it is safe to be taken internally, externally, or as food. However, it is important to make sure that the herb is pure. It is not toxic this way. Be careful in gathering it yourself. It looks a bit like belladonna, a plant that can be fatally toxic if ingested.
If you have abnormal blood sugar levels, use it cautiously. It may work too good. Should pregnant women use burdock? Some say no, because may cause uterine contractions. Others disagree. Because it is such a powerful cleanser, it is best when used in combination with other herbs. If you want to use it by itself, start with small amounts. Also, it may not work immediately as a blood cleaner. Give it three months to do its work.
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