What are the medicinal uses of bordock/burdock root?
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Burdock is a traditional medicinal herb that is used for many ailments. Burdock root oil extract, also called Bur oil, is popular in Europe as a scalp treatment applied to improve hair strength, shine and body, help reverse scalp conditions such as dandruff, and combat hair loss.
Herbalists consider dried burdock to be a diuretic, diaphoretic, and a blood purifying agent.
The primary active constituents in burdock include arctigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. Fatty acids are contained in the seeds. Burdock seed oil may work as a diaphoretic, creating sweat, neutralizing and eliminating the body's toxins. The high amounts of inulin and mucilage in this herb likely explain why burdock exhibits soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Burdock may provide a good source for minerals such as iron, the carbohydrate inulin, and essential oils. Additionally, burdock may serve as a mild laxative and assist in the elimination of uric acid. The herb contains polyacetylenes that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. By improving the function of many organs of elimination (i.e. liver, kidneys, bowels), many health conditions may be moderately corrected.
Arctium lappa-Burdock Root
Drains lymphatic fluids, reduces toxins and removes uric acid. Burdock is highly effective for all types of skin ailments including acne, psoriasis, rashes and eczema. Historically used as an anti-tumor herb in Essiac remedy.
In Chinese medicine we use the seeds to "release the exterior" for colds or flus like echinacea is used.
Hope this helps!
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