Medicinal Action and Uses of Burdock.
- Brief Description and Botanical Information of Burdock.
- Plant Description and Habitat of Burdock.
- Archeology and Narritive History of the Names:Burdock.
- Burdock Overview in History.
- Burdock uses in Traditional Record and Ancient Herbal Classics.
- Phytochemicals and Constituents of Burdock root.
- Common Actions and Applications of Burdock.
- Part Uses of Burdock Herb.
- Medicinal Action and Uses of Burdock.
- Administration Guide:Indications,Dosage,Preparations of Burdock.
- Administration Guide:Interactions of Burdock Herb.
- Administration Guide:Precautions,Adverse Reactions,Safety and Risks of Burdock.
- Burdock Herb and Treatment of Chronic Skin Disease.
- Research Update:Burdock and Its Constituents.
Medicinal Action and Uses of Burdock.
Abscesses, Acidity (eliminates from blood), Acne, Allergies, ALTERATIVE, Anorexia nervosa, Antibiotic, Antifungal, Antiseptic, Anti-tumor, Aperient, ARTHRITIS, Asthma, Bites (insect, snake), BLOOD PURIFIER, Boils, Bronchitis, Bruises, Bunions, Burns, Bursitis, Calcification deposits, Canker sores, Cancer, Carbuncles (Carbunkles), Chicken pox, Childbirth (problems), Cholagogue, Colds, Constipation, Coughing, Cradle cap, Dandruff, DIAPHORETIC, Discutient, DIURETIC, Dropsy, Dupuytren's contracture, ECZEMA, Eruptions, Felons, Fevers, Flu, Food, Fungus, Gall stones, Glands (problems, swellings), Gonorrhea, GOUT, Hair loss, Hair tonic, Hay fever, Hemorrhoids, Herpes, Hives, Hormones (balances), Hypothalamus (soothes when used as tea with Sassafras), Impotence, Infections, Itching, Jaundice, Joints (swelling), KIDNEY PROBLEMS (diseases, infections, tone), Leprosy, LIVER (problems, tonic), Lumbago, LUNGS (congestion), Malaria, Measles (early stages), Muscles (pain, spasms),
Nervousness, Nutritive, Pain (from: snakebites (poulticed with salt), bladder (juice with honey)), Phosphaturia, Pimples, Pleurisy, Poison ivy, Poison oak, Poisons (eliminate and neutralize (rumored)), Pneumonia, Psoriasis, RHEUMATISM, Ringworm, Scarlet fever, Sciatica, Scrofula, SKIN DISEASES, Skin (dry, infections, lesions, problems, scaly), Small pox, Sore throats, Sores, Sprains, Sterility, Sties, Stimulant (uterine), Stomach (problems, upset), Stomachic, Stones (kidney, gall (use w/ catnip)), Styes, Swellings, Syphilis, Syphilitic sores, Throats (infected, red, sore, swollen), TONIC (general, kidney, liver), Tumors, Ulcers, Uric acid (helps eliminate through kidneys), Urinary tract infections, Urination (painful), Uterus (displaced, prolapsed, stimulant of), Venereal diseases, Vertigo, Weight loss, Wounds
Mechanism of How burdock works in the body?:
The plant's diuretic effect has made it a traditional remedy for gout and kidney stones. It has also been used in rheumatic conditions. Its main use is as an alterative or blood cleanser to remove waste products from the body, and it is employed to treat conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, boils, and other skin complaints. Burdock lowers blood sugar levels, and the arctigenin has been shown to be effective against tumors. The fresh root is thought to have an antibiotic quality, probably due to the polyacetylenes. In China it is used for catarrhal conditions and when there is a fever, cough and sore throat, and in infective diseases such as mumps and the early stages of measles. Burdock also stimulates the digestion and aids the liver, and in China is a remedy for constipation. The Chinese properties are acrid, bitter, and cold.
Part of the action Arctium is through bitter stimulation of the digestive juices and bile secretion and it will thus aid digestion and stimulate the appetite. It has been used in anorexia nervosa and similar conditions. It can also aid kidney function. Its antimicrobial property, together with its diuretic action makes it useful for treating cystitis. Both the roots and leaves can be used to treat rheumatism and gout because they encourage the elimination of uric acid via the kidneys.
Externally it may be used as a compress or poultice to speed up the healing of wounds and ulcers. Eczema and psoriasis may also be treated in this way, although it is important to address the underlying imbalance at the same time.
Medicinal uses and health benefits of burdock root:
Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. The carbohydrate inulin can comprise up to 50% of the plant's total mass. Inulin is made up of many fructose chains which are responsible for burdock's hypoglycemic activities. It also contains polyacetylenes that have demonstrated anti-microbial activity. Other active constituents of Burdock roots include alkaloids, essential oil, flavonoids, glycosides, polyacetylenes, resin, tannins, and volatile oil. The burdock seeds are rich in vitamins A and B and essential fatty acids.
Burdock has traditionally been used for a wide variety of conditions, including chronic skin ailments, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and cancer prevention. Extracts of burdock root are found in a variety of herbal preparations as well as homeopathic remedies. Burdock root is used to treat skin diseases, boils, fevers, inflammations, hepatitis, swollen glands, some cancers, and fluid retention. Burdock is used in the treatment of skin conditions that result in dry and scaly skin such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Burdock root has been traditionally used as a blood purifier to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It promotes perspiration and the release of toxins from the body. Preparations of burdock root are also used to promote perspiration and the excretion of urine and to treat ailments and complaints of the digestive system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock root in combination with other herbs is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles.
In folk medicine, burdock has also been used as a laxative and to relieve inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. It will help restore friendly bacteria in the system after antibiotic use, and may bring relief in cases of chronic arthritis and gout. Burdock root has an antimicrobial action which has been attributed to the polyacetylenes in the plant.
In-vitro experiments show that 100% solution of Niu Bang Zi has an inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, pneumococcus, beta streptococcus, and typhoid bacillus, and that the infusion of Niu Bang Zi inhibits various fungi.
In-vitro experiments show that Niu Bang Zi extract has a 90% inhibition rate on JTC-26 (uterine cervical cancer cells).
3.Inhibitory effect on nephritis:
Experiments show that arctiin, an active component of Niu Bang Zi, has a diuretic effect.Arctiin also has an inhibitory effect on PA-induced nephrosis and anti-nephroserum-induced immunonephritis in rats.
4.Effects on the cardiovascular system:
Arctiin has an anesthetic effect on isolated frog hearts. It also dilates the blood vessels of frogs' legs and rabbits' ears, and lowers blood pressure in rats with spontaneous hypertension.
5.Effects on smooth and skeletal muscles:
Niu Bang Zi has an inhibitory effect on the isolated rabbit uterus and intestines, and has an paralytic effect on motor nerves and skeletal muscles.
6.Lowering blood sugar:
Niu Bang Zi extract can significantly and lastingly lower blood sugar in rats, raising their tolerance for carbonhydrates.
7.Burdock is primarily a tonic and alterative herb:
The cumulative effect of its use is said to bring a subtle strengthening and cleansing to the entire system. Though most of the therapeutic benefits attributed to this stately herb have not been clinically proven, burdock has been long tested in folk use, and is a safe, if mild, herbal remedy. Burdock has been traditionally used as a blood purifier. It promotes perspiration and the release of toxins from the body. It is helpful in clearing up such skin conditions as psoriasis and dry, scaly eczema. It works best when used over a period of time. The bitter properties of burdock, particularly noticeable in the dried leaf and seed, stimulate bile secretions. It is a good digestive herb and liver remedy. Burdock's anti-microbial and fungistatic properties have been traced to as many as 14 different polyacetylene compounds in the root. Burdock has been used to treat boils, canker sores, carbuncles, measles, and sties. It will help restore friendly bacteria in the system after antibiotic use, and may bring relief in cases of chronic arthritis and gout. Burdock may also help reduce blood sugar levels.
8.In medieval times burdock was used for more serious problems:
Such as the treatment of syphilis and leprosy. Hildegard of Bingen, a twelfth-century German abbess, considered burdock a valuable remedy for cancerous tumors. Herbalists in other cultures and times, including the Americas, China, India, and Russia have turned to the root of this familiar herb for a folk treatment of cancer. The oil of burdock, known as repeinoe maslo, used over a period of six to eight months, was said to help stimulate the growth of new hair. A drink prepared with aged wine and fine-shredded, fresh burdock leaves was taken after the bite of a mad dog. A poultice of the fresh leaf, applied to the forehead was used to relieve headache. Shredded leaves were also combined with an egg white, beaten until stiff, and the mixture was applied to burns to speed healing.
9.Stimulate the digestive:
Burdock seeds have also been used in medicinal preparations, particularly to treat psoriasis and to stimulate the digestive process. In Chinese medicine seeds were used as a treatment for feverish colds and sore throat.
An infusion of the leaves is useful to impart strength and tone to the stomach, for some forms of long-standing indigestion.
10.Significant antibacterial and anticandidal activity:
Burdock has been recently shown to have significant antibacterial and anticandidal activity, which helps to explain its place in folk medicine as a treatment for various infectious diseases. In addition, a team of Asian researchers reported in 2002 that burdock appears to counteract the damaging effects of alcohol on the liver.
Both orally and topically, burdock root preparations have mild antibacterial and antifungal effects, which may help to relieve skin conditions such as acne, athlete foot, dandruff, diaper rash, dry skin, and eczema. It may have uses in dentistry to control bacteria in the mouth. Although burdock roots are most common for medical use, juice or tea made from burdock leaves may also contain chemicals with slightly anti-infective effects. Burdock leaf preparations may be taken by mouth or applied to the skin to treat skin conditions. Interestingly, the antibacterial chemicals in burdock leaves appear to be effective against different types of bacteria than the chemicals in the roots. Frequently, therefore, burdock leaf juice and burdock root tea are mixed together in order to eliminate as many bacteria as possible.
11.Wonderful blood cleanser and detoxifying:
Burdock is a wonderful blood cleanser and detoxifying remedy, hastening the elimination of toxins from the body. The roots, leaves and seeds are all bitter, stimulating digestion and liver action and activating the pancreas. They can be used to strengthen a weak digestion, relieve wind, distension and indigestion and as a mild laxative. Burdock is an effective remedy for bacterial and fungal infections and to help re-establish normal bacteria in the gut. Burdock has mild diuretic properties, aiding elimination of toxins via the urine. Burdock can be used for cystitis, water retention, stones and gravel. Taken as a hot decoction, burdock also helps to clear toxins from the tissues via the skin as it causes sweating. Burdock can be used to bring down a fever and can be taken at the onset of any infection with feverishness. The seeds are effective for treating sore throats, tonsilitis, colds and coughs. Burdock helps to bring out eruptions and thus speed recovery from infections such as measles and chickenpox. By pushing toxins into the bloodstream, burdock makes an effective remedy for chronic inflammatory conditions such as gout, arthritis and rheumatism. Burdock is excellent for treating skin disease as it improves the action of the sebaceous glands.
It cleanses the blood, and should be used gently over a period of time. It may be used as part of a wider treatment for rheumatic complaints, especially where there is associated with psoriasis. An infusion of the leaf may be applied to cracks, grazes, chapped skin and insect bites.
12.Promote the loss of water from the body:
Burdock root has been found to contain chemicals that promote the loss of water from the body. When taken by mouth, it may increase the production of both urine and sweat, potentially making it useful in treating swelling and fever. However, drugs that are more effective are available for both uses.
13.Prevent liver damage:
In a few animal studies, burdock root appeared to prevent liver damage caused by alcohol, chemicals, or medications. The exact reason for this protective effect is not known, but it is thought to involve opposition of a chemical process called oxidation, which occurs in the body. One result of oxidation is the release of oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals that may suppress immune function. Antioxidants such as burdock may protect body cells from damage caused by oxidation,
In North America, burdock is mixed with three other herbs (slippery elm bark, sheep sorrel, and Turkish rhubarb root) to make an herbal product known as Essiac. Said to have been based on a Native American remedy, this trademarked preparation was used in the 1920s to treat cancer. Some laboratory studies suggest that Essiac may have antioxidant effects and that it may damage cancer cells. No documented scientific evidence from human studies support its effectiveness in any medical condition, although many individuals still use it to treat cancer and other conditions.
15.Alterative, diuretic and diaphoretic:
One of the best blood purifiers. In all skin diseases, it is a certain remedy and has effected a cure in many cases of eczema, either taken alone or combined with other remedies, such as Yellow Dock and Sarsaparilla.
The infusion or decoction of the seeds is employed in dropsical complaints, more especially in cases where there is co-existing derangement of the nervous system, and is considered by many to be a specific for all affections of the kidneys, for which it may with advantage be taken several times a day, before meals.
17.Tumours and gouty swellings:
When applied externally as a poultice, the leaves are highly resolvent for tumours and gouty swellings, and relieve bruises and inflamed surfaces generally. The bruised leaves have been applied by the peasantry in many countries as cataplasms to the feet and as a remedy for hysterical disorders.
18.Chronic skin diseases:
From the seeds, both a medicinal tincture and a fluid extract are prepared, of benefit in chronic skin diseases. Americans use the seeds only, considering them more efficacious and prompt in their action than the other parts of the plant. They are relaxant and demulcent, with a limited amount of tonic property. Their influence upon the skin is due largely to their being of such an oily nature: they affect both the sebaceous and sudoriferous glands, and probably owing to their oily nature restore that smoothness to the skin which is a sign of normal healthy action.
Arctium is a valuable remedy for the treatment of dry and scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
19.Treatment for skin eruptions boils and acne.:
Arctium has an antimicrobial action which has been attributed to the polyacetylenes in the plant.This explains its reputation for treating toxic conditions resulting in skin eruptions such as boils; it is also useful in treating acne.
20.Cosmetic uses of Burdock:
A small amount of research shows burdock root is effective as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.Some professional cosmetic company declared that burdock is effective in treating dry and scaly skin disorders such as psoriasis,dandruff, and eczema, particularly when they are caused by a general systemic imbalance. It stimulates the digestive juices and bile secretion and is therefore useful when treating anorexia nervosa and digestive/appetite problems. Burdock also aids liver function and is used to heal cystitis.
This extracts,Arctium Majus Root Extract is an extract of the roots of the burdock, Arctium majus,has reported used in the following product types: moisturizer; facial moisturizer/treatment; mask; hand cream; exfoliant/scrub; anti-aging; acne treatment; body wash/cleanser; styling gel/lotion; after shave,etc.Products of this material can be made into functional tincture with property of cleansor,detox,digest aid,skin hair nail support,combined with horsetail and willow bark extracts works fine: For example,a products composed of Vitis vinifera,Ribes nigrum,Trifolium pratens,Smilax ornata,Arctium lappa,Cynara scolymus,Equisetum arvense,Ribes nigrum herbs in tincture form normally works to bring healthy skin, hair and nails.Horsetail provides trace elements, notably silica which is needed for strengthening the hair, skin and nails. Silica is one of the main nutrients stored in the hair and nails.Some other herbs works in other ways,Trifolium pratens provides isoflavones such as genestein, and is traditionally known as an alterative (blood cleanser, balancer). Artichoke leaf and Burdock root are potent detoxifying agents, acting primarily on stimulating liver function. Also some herbs for micro-circulation prompting got used,as healthy skin, hair and nails are dependent upon the overall health of a number of systems, notably areas relating to hormonal balance, circulation, optimal liver function and the balancing supply of a number of micro-nutrients.These including herbs rich in sources of organic silica,phyto-estrogen suchlike isoflavones and blood cleanser.
Burdock is also known as Arctium lappa, it's a herb grown in China, Europe and the United States, it has a sweetish and mucilaginous taste. Burdock is effective in treating dry and scaly skin disorders such as psoriasis, dandruff, and eczema, particularly when they are caused by a general systemic imbalance. It stimulates the digestive juices and bile secretion and is therefore useful when treating anorexia nervosa and digestive/appetite problems. Burdock also aids liver function and is used to heal cystitis.
About its Action of related cosmetic uses:1).Burdock root is one of the best blood purifiers;2).In all skin diseases,burdock is a certain remedy and has affected a cure in many cases of eczema, either taken alone or combined with other remedies, such as Yellow Dock and Sarsaparilla.
Characteristics and Application:Burdock Root is one of the foremost cleansing herbs, providing nourishing support for the blood, the liver, and the natural defense system. It's rich in Vitamins B-1, B-6, B-12, and E, plus manganese, copper, iron, zinc, sulfur, and more. You'll find Burdock Root in many tonic formulas and special blends designed for internal cleansing.Burdock is also known by the names Bardane, Clotburr, Beggars Buttons, Gypsy Rhubarb, Gobo, and Burr. In traditional herbal texts, Burdock Root is described as a "blood purifier" or "alterative" and was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins.The genus name "Arctium" is from the Greek, arktos, meaning "bear" in reference to the shaggy burrs. "Beurre" is French for "butter" as French women would wrap their cakes of butter in leaves of Burdock to transport it to the marketplace. During the Industrial Revolution, Burdock was used as a medicine to help people cope with the increasing environmental polution.Arctium lappa Root Extract has a sweetish and mucilaginous taste. It extract from Burdock root that contains tannic acid. Lappa extract is used to soothe the skin and contains vital mineral salts,and a botanical credited to be antibacterial and antifungal with the ability to help regulate/normalize oil production.
21.Stimulate Hair growth:An extract of burdock root called burdock root oil is used to stimulate hair growth in alopoecia.
The anti-scorbutic properties of the root make the decoction very useful for boils, scurvy and rheumatic affections, and by many it is considered superior to Sarsaparilla, on account of its mucilaginous, demulcent nature; it has in addition been recommended for external use as a wash for ulcers and scaly skin disorders.
Burdock also helps to lower blood sugar in diabetics. The root stimulates the uterus, helping to regulate periods and has been used traditionally for prolapse and to give strength before and after childbirth.
Medicinally, Burdock Root has been used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis, as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese medicine, Burdock Root, in combination with other herbs, is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles. It is eaten as a vegetable. Burdock is a mild laxative. It also aids in the elimination of uric acid. The herb contains polyacetylenes that have both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. By improving the function of many organs of elimination (liver, kidneys, bowels), many health conditions can be improved. Burdock Root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of Burdock to improve digestion. The polyacetylene constituents have also been shown to have anti-microbial activity. Burdock Root (and the fruit) also have the ability to mildly lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic effect).
- 1.The Arctium lappa and its useful herb parts:Burdock Root and Burdock Seed,traditional heat clearing herb and antidote herb,traditional uses and modern applications.
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