October 2008 Herb of the Month - BURDOCK Arctium lappa

Poultice of the leaves for abscesses and boils.

A biennial herb to 1.5m tall, large broad leaves, green and slightly hairy on top, whitish and hairy underneath. The flowers are reddish purple and has hooked bracts. The deep roots, which are used medicinally, are brownish-green, or nearly black on the outside.

The hook-loop fastener (Velcro) was invented in 1941, by Swiss engineer, George de Mestral who lived in Commugny, Switzerland. The idea came to him one day after returning from a hunting trip with his dog in the Alps. He took a close look at the burrs of burdock that kept sticking to his clothes and his dog's fur. He examined them under a microscope and noted their hundreds of "hooks" that caught on anything with a loop, such as clothing, animal fur, or hair. He saw the possibility of binding two materials reversibly in a simple fashion, if he could figure out how to duplicate the hooks and loops, and he did.

Roots harvested in Autumn of the first year or spring of the second year. Leaves can be harvested usually in the first year.

Native to Europe and Asia.

The roots are eaten as a food in Japan they are known as Gobo, they are a good source of dietary fibre and very nutritious. Vitamins: A, B2, niacin, C, E, P. Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Copper, Iodine, Silicon, Sulphur, Zinc. 12 % protein and 70% carbohydrate.

Constituents:

Flavonoid glysocides, Antibiotic constituents, Bitter glycosides, Alkaloids, Fixed oils, Essential oils, Inulin, Tannins.

Actions:

Depurative (bitter), Mild diuretic, Antibiotic (fresh root preferable), Alterative.

Medicinal:

Helps the body rid itself of toxins. Opens up channels of elimination, bowel, kidney, lungs and skin. Useful where there is a build up of metabolic waste with associated inflammation as in rheumatism, gout and arthritis. Cleanses the blood and is used for skin conditions such as boils, acne, eczema, psorasis, and rosacea.
The seeds have a reported hypoglycaemic action. Chinese use the seeds to cool and decongest.

Poultice of the leaves for abscesses and boils.

Decoction of the root along with dandelion root for acne 1tsp (6g) dried herbs to 1 cup water)

Infusion of the seed to remove toxins in fevers and infections of mumps and measles.