Burdock - the power of nature. Most of us know it; as children we used to make fans from it in the summer. It grows almost everywhere, yet we rarely give it our attention. Perhaps you did not know that in folk tradition burdock leaves were used to sense inflammatory processes in the body and were then turned to for care - and that is quite something to say.
Burdock, its composition and its uses
Burdock may not be all-powerful, but its qualities are very strong. Are you wondering why? Because it contains many beneficial substances, thanks to which it has long been spoken of as a healing plant. These are proteins, inulin, polysaccharides, essential oils, bitter compounds, resins, sulphates and phosphates of magnesium, calcium and potassium. Medieval writings tell us that burdock was used to ease various aches. In today's world it is highly valued in folk herbalism, where it is traditionally turned to in connection with blood sugar, gout, joint discomfort, psoriasis and skin imperfections. In our part of the world we mainly come across three kinds of burdock - greater, lesser and woolly. They share similar active substances and the same traditional uses. Before we look at them more closely, let us describe the old way of sensing inflammation with the help of burdock leaves.
Reading the body with burdock
The folk method using a burdock leaf has been known for a very long time. It is traditionally practised at least once a year: the whole body is wrapped in burdock leaves and bound a little more firmly with an elastic bandage. Ideally you would go to sleep like this, though the shortest time should not be less than four hours. The leaves are placed with the upper side against the skin. When the time has passed, the bandage is unwound and the leaves are gradually taken off the body. We look at them, and what interests us above all is their colour. If it has changed somewhere, folk tradition says there is inflammation in that part of the body. The changed colour itself also matters - cinnamon is said to mean strong inflammation, black or brown to signal moderate inflammation. The size of the coloured patch does not matter. It may be only a few cm2, or it may cover the whole leaf. Where the inflammation is said to be strong, the burdock leaf may crumble once the bandage is unwound, as it responds by drying out.
Burdock as an aphrodisiac
The plant's antibacterial and soothing qualities are highly valued. In the past, burdock root extract was considered an aphrodisiac, said to be especially favoured by men. It is said to awaken desire and support intimate life. It is also traditionally said to settle unsettled digestion, which is generally seen as the foundation of good health. In folk tradition burdock is described as working against the staphylococci behind infections, and it is a lovely cleansing helper for skin concerns, blemishes, impetigo, fungal troubles, eczema, dandruff, abscesses and boils. Taken internally it is traditionally said to support metabolism and to be very useful in connection with diabetes, gout or rheumatism. In recent years it has been used as part of detox rituals, as it is said to help the body release excess water. For a sore throat, inflammation of the oral mucosa and gum troubles, burdock is also traditionally used as a tea for rinsing and gargling. It is said to encourage the gallbladder, cleanse the kidneys and work effectively against fungi and bacteria.
Burdock and its effects:
What else is the power of burdock traditionally said to help with?
- it has diuretic and sweat-inducing qualities
- it cleanses the blood and has an antibacterial effect
- it supports metabolism
- it is traditionally used in connection with the health of the heart and blood vessels and with high blood pressure
- it cleanses and supports the liver and has a detoxifying effect
- it is traditionally turned to for inflammation of the mouth
- it is traditionally used in connection with joint troubles and arthrosis of various origins
- it calms the nerves, eases stress and supports better sleep
You can enjoy the qualities of burdock by using burdock tincture.
Burdock shampoo for healthy hair growth
And last but not least, we must not forget how helpful burdock is in hair care too. Hair is the crown of beauty, yet a high percentage of people are troubled by excessive hair loss. Burdock root offers a natural answer to this unwelcome concern. A decoction or a burdock root shampoo strengthens the hair bulbs and supports healthy hair growth. We are glad you have read this article and we hope you will look at burdock from a new side too.