By Dori Cranmore RN

At the beginning of each year it seems many people come to the store asking about ways to clean out their body and get a handle on their health.  We have many different full body cleanse combinations and most all have Burdock root included in the formulas.

Burdock has been used as a primary detoxifying agent in both Chinese and Western herbalism as it stimulates elimination of wastes via the colon, kidneys and skin.

Burdock is the common name of any plant of the genus Arctium in the family Asteraceae.  It is a common weed native to Europe and Northern Asia but is now widespread through out the USA.  The root has a very crisp, sweet, mild and pungent flavor and is the primary source of many herbal preparations. The leaves are less potent.

This is a fun bit of trivia. In the 1940’s, George de Mestral, a Swiss inventor became curious about the burdock seeds when they attached themselves to his clothes and his dogs fur as they were out walking.  Under a microscope he noted the hook-and-loop system that the seeds use to hitchhike on passing animals and aiding in seed dispersal. He realized that the same approach could be used to join other things together resulting in the creation of Velcro.

The root has often been used to purify the blood by removing toxins that can build up in the blood.  It is one of the 4 components of the famous Essiac Tea (Burdock Root, Slippery Elm, Sheep Sorrel, Turkey Rhubarb Root) used by the Ojibwa Indians and Renee Caisse, R.N. of Canada, to halt tumor growth.  In modern times, burdock is used in oncology and to treat many other serious health problems by integrative doctors and herbalists.

Burdock has been used to soothe inflammation in both internal and external tissues, including topical applications for joint swelling.  Research suggests that it is helpful for treating conditions from chronic toxicity including arthritis, gout, heavy metal poisoning, and infection, rheumatism, sore throat and cancer prevention.  It is highly recommended for chronic skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, boils, burns, boils, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, rashes, skin infections and benign tumors.

This herb is a good source of viscous fiber, helping absorb toxins from both the digestive and intestinal tracts and also used to lower bowel transit time and balance intestinal flora.  It has been shown to provide antifungal, diuretic and hypoglycemic properties.

According to a study published in Diabetes Research, burdock root helps lower blood sugar levels. People taking insulin should not take burdock. Burdock is, however, compatible with all other hypoglycemic (diabetic) medications.  It contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage which is most likely responsible for the effect of lowering blood sugar.

Because Burdock has a high concentration of minerals it actually helps replace those minerals that are purged during cleansing.  It provides high amounts of chromium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, zinc, copper, manganese, B1, B6, B12, and E.

Burdock root can be taken in a capsule form, liquid extract or as a tea. It can also be made into a poultice and placed over sore or swollen joints.  It is not recommended to be used during pregnancy.  There are no reported contraindications with any medications except insulin.

It is so exciting doing research on each of the herbs because there is always something fun unturned and shared.  Happy cleansing!

For more information call 907-376-8327.

Information provided is for Educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any diseases.