Information on the Common Burdock

Common burdock is one of four burdock plant species that have been introduced to North America. Together with great burdock, they are the two weedy species. Found in many areas, this has resulted in a plant with many different names.

This species of the burdock herb has also been used as a medicinal herb and goes a long way in treating several conditions. As an alterative and depurative agent, burdock is one of the most effective herbs used for cleansing the blood without the side effect of nausea. It contains 27-45% inulin as well as an abundance of iron. As a blood purifier, it is used for arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and lumbago.

Common burdock can help to reduce joint swelling and calcification deposits. It promotes kidney function and also helps remove toxins through the sweat glands. The energy is cooling; therefore, it is used for "hot" / yang conditions such as fevers, boils, sties, carbuncles, and infections.

Burdock helps metabolize carbohydrates. It is used with sassafras to soothe the hypothalamus "and aids the pituitary gland to adjust hormones and body weight" (American Health and Herbs 1997).

Preparations made from the root, leaves, and fruits of this species of burdock may be used to treat coughs, asthma, gout, and may serve as laxatives and diuretics. However, it has been listed as a poisonous plant because of its diuretic effects (Woodcock 1925).

The bristles of this burdock plant may also cause localized allergic reactions for some individuals. This species of burdock is edible; however, the root of great burdock is more commonly used as a vegetable. Although not used much as a food source, the USDA listed it as being "in reasonably constant demand as a medicinal herb".

Burdock Pages | Burdock Plant - History and Information | Information on the Common Burdock | Burdock Root Benefits on Health | Burdock Tea - Benefits, Uses and Preparation | Burdock Root Tincture, Burdock Root Oil and other Burdock Root Uses | Burdock Herb Research and Studies on its Health Benefits | Side Effects of Burdock Root - Caution, Contraindications | A Burdock Recipe or Two to Try

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