Burdock Root:
Cleanse Your Blood With This Powerful Herb
By Keith M. Henry, N.D.
Published In Natural News
Dated 2/18/2011
One of the most revered herbs in Western Herbology is the herb burdock root. Indeed burdock root, as attested to by many natural practitioners, is a most effective blood cleanser or blood purifier. It is extremely beneficial to make a tea out of the root and to drink 2-3 cups per day to help purify the blood, especially in cases of any type of infection or skin disorder. For without clean and pure blood it is impossible to have good health.
The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced and naturalized in all temperate parts of the world according to Mark Pedersen in his work, "Nutritional Herbology".
Writing of burdock root further Pederson says, "Western herbalists have long used burdock for its demulcent (a substance that soothes tissue) action both externally and internally and for is alterative (cleansing or purifying) effects on the blood and urinary system. The most popular Western use of burdock root is as a primary herb in blood purifier formulas".
The Sheer Power OF Burdock Root
The famed Dr. Edward E. Shook, N.D., D.C. in the work "Advanced Treatise In Herbology" wrote, "nature has not produced for us many herbs whose food and medicinal value equal this one. It's ancient history as a reliable remedy for bad blood, ulcers, tumors, and many skin diseases such as what we today call eczema, psoriasis, acne, lupus, etc., to say nothing of internal disorders such as syphilis, leprosy, cancer, etc., and the modern proofs of its marvelous efficacy in the treatment of humanities most fearsome and loathsome diseases is positive proof that very few if any herbs are more virtuous or possess more curative powers".
It should be noted that Dr. Shook was a very successful natural healer. In fact, the famed and imminent herbalist and naturopath Dr. John Christopher, N.D., was a student of Dr. Shook. Dr. Shook went on to say, with regard to burdock root: "to our certain knowledge, it has cured syphilis after all other treatments had failed. For the successful treatment of chronic skin diseases, especially eczema, burdock has no equal, while for boils its quick alterative and curative effect is truly remarkable".
Burdock root has also been combined with high dosages of vitamin C to clear up stubborn staph infection. Additionally, it has been used effectively by natural practitioners in helping to normalize blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.
Nutritional Profile Of Burdock Root
The nutritional profile of burdock root is one that includes at least 26 known substances. Burdock Root contains Aluminum, Ash, Calcium, Carbohydrates, Chromium, Magnesium, Iron, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Vitamins A, Vitamin C, Zinc, and many other nutrients.
Few Herbs Equal Burdock Root
Indeed it could be understood in light of the many nutrients contained in burdock root why Dr. Shook was compelled to declare, "nature has not produced for us many herbs whose food and medicinal value equal this one".
Aside from being an essential ingredient in the recipe essiac tea, you can see that it is also a powerful and welcome ingredient in many a health tonic. In asian medicine it is a common ingredient in many different concoctions, tinctures, teas and other remedies.
The most famous use for burdock root is the inclusion as an ingredient in Essiac Tea. The tea was invented in the 1920's by a nurse named Rene Caisse as a treatment for cancer, and has since become one of the world's most well known natural cancer remedies.
12 Medicinal Uses For Burdock
- Fluid Retention - symptoms of which could be swelling in ankles, feet, face or fingers or high blood pressure.
- Control Blood Sugar - diabetics on insulin should be under a doctor's care as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is possible.
- Measles - due to anti-viral properties
- Common Cold Virus - due to anti-viral properties
- Sore Throat - due to anti-inflammatory properties
- Arthritis - due to anti-inflammatory properties
- Skin Disorders - acne, eczema, psoriasis etc - attributed to blood purification and liver detoxification properties.
- Constipation - inulin and plant sterols are helpful in increasing fiber and bulk in the intestine
- Ulcers - due to anti-inflammatory properties
- Gout - due to anti-inflammatory properties
- Blood Purification
- Cancer - likely because of the polyphenols and tannins which are known to be anti-neoplastic.
Sources: "Nutritional Herbology, Mark Pedersen; Revised and Expanded Edition;1998"
"Advanced Treatise In Herbology, Edward Shook, N.D., D.C."
Burdock Information: University Of Maryland Medical Center 12/31/2010 - Burdock Root Information
Burdock Information: Natural News 2/28/2011 - Discover The Benefits Of Burdock Root
