Monthly Archives: June 2014

Discover the benefits of burdock root
Burdock root as an herbal medicine offers a variety of health benefits. Burdock is as old as Earth. No wonder this plant been used for different purposes for centuries. This herb been known for its healing properties for many centuries and commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various illnesses.

Long ago, it used for its excellent cleansing and purifying properties. It contains types of essential oil which allow toxin, elimination in our body. Traditionally, it used to treat various viral diseases, like measles, tonsillitis and other respiratory problems. Nowadays, the most promising and developing means to utilize burdock root on oncology.

About Burdock Root
Burdock (Arctium lappa) is an herb with giant leaves which grows all, everywhere in Europe, especially the Mediterranean region and Asia. Burdock plant is a biennial thistle with green hairy, leaves and reddish purple flower clusters it is easy to find and identify as it grows along fences and roads. Burdock plant known for its purple blossoms, surrounded by prickly burrs, which are extremely sticky and can gasp and hold fabric, clothing particularly firmly.

For centuries burdock root, leaves and stems been used as the ingredients of various herbal remedies, supplements and preparations, and the burdock root benefits are immense. In Asia, the taproot of young burdock plant harvested and eaten as a root vegetable. It has a sticky consistency and is sweet to the taste. Burdock root is the most frequently used as an extremely valuable natural remedy rich in such elements as calcium, potassium, iron, copper, chromium, inulin, resin, flavonoids, mucilage, chlorogenic acid, lactone, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, tannin, taraxosterol, a series of vitamins and so on.

Benefits of burdock root also include excellent diuretic properties of this herb. The high proportion of inulin in this herb remedy, drinking burdock root infusion, recommended stimulating appetite and digestion, soothe digestive system and treat various stomach conditions, support liver cleansing, etc. Such burdock root benefits as its antifungal and antibacterial powers used to treat urinary infections, skin ulcers, acne and so on.

Besides, burdock root products can be used to calm down arthritis pain, rheumatism and sciatica inflammations, reducing swelling and pain around joints and ridding the body of calcification deposits.

In Traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root known as an excellent natural aphrodisiac which had super powers to treat infertility and impotence. Benefits of burdock root also include its effectiveness for hair loss prevention and dandruff as burdock root can be used as a solution to stimulate blood flow to the scalp, this process to assist in nourishing and strengthening hair follicles. Burdock root infusion can be applied internally to treat eczema and psoriasis.

What is Burdock Root?
If one come from a country that does not eat burdock root very often one may be wondering what it is. It is a group of biennial thistles. Young roots harvested and eaten as root vegetables. The roots have a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness and a crisp texture like potatoes or asparagus.

Traditional Uses for Burdock Root
In traditional medicine, the seeds of burdock (in traditional Chinese medicine known as niupangzi) compressed to form a mixture that provided relief for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, throat pain, and viruses like the common cold. Burdock root can also be used to treat gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Folk herbalists use it to treat snake bites and those that afflicted with rabies. They also used dried burdock as a diuretic, diaphoretic, and a blood purifying agent. It purifies the blood by getting rid of dangerous toxins.

Remedy for Scalp Problems
Burdock root oil extract or Bur oil used in Europe as a scalp treatment for dandruff and prevents hair loss. Since the burdock oil is rich in phytosterols and essential fatty acids (including rare long-chain EFAs), it also improved hair strength, shine, and body by helping maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth. It combines a complete relieving effect with nutritional support for standard functions of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles.

Burn Treatment
The leaves of the burdock can be used for pain management and to help speed up recovery time in burn patients. It said to inhibit bacterial growth and acts as a barrier against moisture.

Burdock’s Skin-Healing Properties
Burdock used to heal eruptions and diseases of the skin including acne, chronic rashes, dry scaly skin patches, eczema, and psoriasis. Poor skin condition is often a symptom of general poor health and Burdock help to improve the skin in two different ways. Firstly, burdock root stimulates the digestive system. This is largely due to the proportion of high amounts of inulin and mucilage, which have a calming effect.

The bitter constituents are responsible for development of digestion and appetite. These stimulations have a beneficial effect upon the skin by improving the absorption of nutrients. Burdock also stimulates the excretory system, which means it works as a blood purifier by eliminating toxins from the body more quickly. For centuries Burdock been used to promote healing of the skin through an infusion of dried leaves. Vitamins and minerals in burdock are irreplaceable in treating and preventing acne. It still made into a root tea today; to help solve a problematic complexion. This makes it an effective treatment for acne, sores, psoriasis and eczema, but it does not happen overnight with results, it recommended that burdock tea taken three times daily over a period of two to three months, before significant results be noticed. Despite the patience required, burdock has proved to be an effective treatment for many chronic skin conditions, with continued use.

For Acne Scar sufferer, burdock helps skin condition! Steep a teaspoon of burdock in one cup of boiling water. Drink 1 to 3 cups a day for 1 to 2 weeks before your period if acne related to your menstrual cycle. Continue for 3 months to 1 year, until the symptoms subside. It may take 3 months to 1 year to create a permanent improvement, but it works!

Secondly, Burdock may also use as a poultice. The leaves usually collected within the first year of growth, bruised slightly, then place in the affected area and covered with a damp cloth. A poultice may also be made from boiled, mashed leaves. This is an effective treatment for boils and acne. The poultice draws out toxins from beneath the skin. It should be applied twice daily.

Cancer Benefits
Today, burdock root used in oncology for its cancer-curing properties, especially in Russia and India. Burdock root has recently become popular as a tea treatment for cancer. Many herbalists say burdock root can prevent cancer cells from metastasizing. Preliminary research has demonstrated that burdock root has certain protective properties that may explain its cancer benefits.

Burdock studied for its potential as a treatment for cancer. It has a long history of use for treating this problem– Hildegard of Bingen, a well-known medieval herbalist, often used burdock for treatment of cancerous tumors. Recent studies have shown that arctigenin, a chemical in burdock, does in fact, slow tumor growth. Burdock is an active ingredient in the traditional natural, remedies for cancer, including Essiac and Hoxsey. World famous and valued by herbalists worldwide burdock has plenty of healing treasures. The plant commonly cultivated for its sweet-tasting root, though other parts also used for medical and other purposes. The plant does not need special conditions for growing; its favorite places are on waste ground and about old buildings, by roadsides and in relatively damp places.

Because of burdock’s absorption of toxins from the bowel, and its alterative effects on the liver, it been shown to be effective for treatment of hepatitis. It also has a mild laxative effect.

Parts Used
Burdock has many beneficial qualities all parts used in many herbal remedies: the leaves (mainly for tea), the burrs, the seed, the stem and root.

The seeds (or flower-heads) collected when ripe – this is during the latter part of the summer or in autumn. They shake off the flower head and dried by spreading them out on paper in the sun. The leaves should be harvested before or during early flowering. The roots should be unearthed in September or October of the first year, or as an alternative in the following spring when the flowers appear. The root is sweet to the taste and has a sticky consistency.

Burdock is available in tea form, juice, powder, capsules and oil.
• Herbal tea (2 - 6 grams for a cup 3 to 5 times a day);
• Oil (for hair - regularly, after washing);
• Fresh or dried root (dried root steep 2 - 6 grams in boiling water for 10 - 15 minutes then strain and drink 3 times a day);
• Tincture (2 - 8 ml, 3 times a day);
• Fluid extract ((1:1): 2 - 8 mL three times a day);
• Decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water).

Burdock root had a wide range of useful properties, contains high amounts of inulin (27-45%) and mucilage (up to 75% of the root is carbohydrate in the form of fructo-oligo-saccharides (FOS) including inulin), essential oil with 66 identified components (0.06-0.18%), vitamins (B1, B6, B12, and E), polyphenols including caffeic acid (1.9-3.65%), antibacterial polyacetylenes, sitosterol and stigmasterol, different powerful, flavonoid-type antioxidants, trace minerals (phosphorous, sodium, chromium, cobalt, iron, potassium, magnesium, silicon, zinc).

Health Benefits
Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage of the root yield excellent soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Inulin is the main ingredient in burdock, and it helps strengthen the organs, and to regulate blood sugar metabolism for diabetics, and hypoglycemics because it does not elicit rapid insulin production; it also slightly lower blood sugar, and benefit both the pancreas and liver.

Some chemicals in the burdock root promote the loss of water from the body that have a cooling effect and can help reduce fever, also headaches and swelling, increase the performance of both urine and sweat. Burdock nourishes and strengthens the actions of the kidneys and urinary organs. It has long considered by Chinese and European herbalists to have a "gently warming, moistening effect". It classified as an alternative, diuretic and diaphoretic. Detoxification of the body has its consequences in all the useful effects of the burdock, so it is difficult to separate the benefits. It is the ability to cleanse impurities from the body.

Improved Digestion
Burdock known to help strengthen the stomach, digestion and appetite. It helps to relieve gas. The mucilaginous fiber has effects on the gastrointestinal tract and helps absorb and eliminate toxins, chemicals and metal contaminants from the large intestine. Burdock seems to maintain healthy intestinal bacteria and sometimes used by folks with Candida or yeast overgrowth. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of burdock to improve digestion. It also contains polyacetylenes that been shown to have antimicrobial activity. Burdock root and fruit also have the ability to lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic effect).

Burdock Root significant impact on the human body
Strengthen "the bone gum is original" of the hardest protein inside the human body promote cell vitality inside the body.

Chemical reaction occur in the body, can produce more than 30 materials, among them, "measure more folic acid" can protect the human body cell from taking place bad variety and prevent° from a cancer cell formation. There is a fantastic deal of burdock root Mao, and wood fat vegetable in the burdock root tea, among them, the burdock root Mao dollar is an anti-cancer live data. Be proven by post experiment, burdock root Mao the dollar and wood fat vegetable has an undeniably anti-cancer function.

Promote propagating of cell in the body, make the T cell be increased with 300% speed, boost immunity dint, promote an anti-cancer achievement effect.

Can encourage Lin calcium in the body and vitamin D are in the balance on the combination and maintain human body growth.

Benefits of Burdock
Burdock been appreciated by herbalists and their clients for many years. Records indicate that burdock used in China, by the Native American Indians, as well as European settlers.

Burdock benefits extend over many different body systems including digestive, circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, and glandular and immune systems. No wonder it can help with stress relief. That is quite a lot of help from one common "weed."

Burdock considered highly beneficial. Its roots can draw sustenance from deep within the soil. It is rich in natural vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, amino acids, sugars and starches. The list of this incredible amazing herb minerals is quite extensive is rich in vitamins, B-complex and E. It also contains, in high amount, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, sodium and potassium, silicon, phosphorous, aluminum, calcium, manganese, selenium and zinc. Burdock also contains thiamine, vitamin C, vitamin A, protein, inulin, phenolic acids, mucilage, pectin and fiber.

Burdock considered an “alternative.” Burdock gradually restores proper functioning and increases strength and vitality. This property can make burdock useful for building resistance to the stress of everyday life. It is said to help increase stamina, resiliency and the joy of life. It is even said to help advance emotional stability.

Using Burdock
The benefits of burdock can be gained in several different ways.

Burdock commonly used in Japanese and macro biotic cooking as a deeply nourishing root vegetable – high in nutrients yet low in calories. Cleaned burdock root often teamed with brown rice, soy sauce, sesame seed and other traditional eastern flavorings.

Get the dried root powder from the bulk herb section of the health food store. Add a spoonful of dried powdered, burdock root, at the end of cooking, to soup stocks and vegetable stews for a slightly sweet nutritional boost.

Burdock also used as tea. (Place about one teaspoon of burdock root in a cup of water, simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, cool and drink.)

Burdock can be used medicinally as a fresh root tincture and externally as a poultice on sores and wounds. Although burdock is a natural plant, it is possible to be allergic to it. It is always wise to consult with a trained health care professional for proper recommendations for your situation.

Burdock Medical History Usage
Burdock been used for centuries to treat a host of ailments. It been traditionally used as a “blood purifier” to clear the bloodstream of toxins, as a diuretic (helping rid the body of excess water by increasing urine output) and a topical treatment for skin problems such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock often used with other herbs for sore throat and colds. It reported helping strengthen the lungs and assist in breathing. Extracts of burdock root found in a variety of herbal preparations as well as homeopathic remedies.

In Japan and parts of Europe, burdock eaten as a vegetable. Burdock contains inulin, a natural dietary fiber, and also to improve digestion. In fact, recent studies confirm that burdock has prebiotic properties that could improve health.

Burdock consists mainly of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oils.

Researchers are not sure which active ingredients in burdock root are responsible for its healing properties, but the herb may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.

Burdock is safe, but some people should be careful when taking this herb, especially those with abnormal blood sugar levels.

Burdock Available Forms
Burdock products consist of fresh or dried roots. Burdock supplements can be purchased as dried root powder, decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water), tinctures (a solution of the herb in alcohol, or water and alcohol), or fluid extracts.

Burdock root is a traditional medicinal herb that used for many ailments can also help to reduce cravings and hunger and thus assist in weight loss. Burdock root cleanses and eliminates impurities from the blood rapidly. It will also clear skin diseases, boils and carbuncles. Burdock root can be used as a diuretic, especially suitable for children.

In traditional herbal, burdock root is one of the herb world's best natural described as a "blood purifier agent" in the herbal formula or "alterative" diaphoretic, and diuretic that traditionally used to cleanse the bloodstream of toxins; it purifies the blood without side effects and heals the kidneys and liver.

It has mild and cleansing diuretic, action but has stronger effects. Heavy metals inside your body can be removed by using burdock. It used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. It also used to treat burns, eczema, and acne. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root in combination with other herbs used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles.

Traditionally used as a blood purifier and overall system tonic, burdock root often recommended by herbalists for the natural support it provides for healthy liver function. Native Americans used burdock tea to treat rheumatism, to purify the blood, for female weakness, kidney gravel, scurvy and venereal diseases.

WARNING:
Interactions with Drugs Medication adjustments may be required. Burdock been associated with diuretic effects (increasing urine flow) in one human report, and in theory may cause excess fluid loss (dehydration) or electrolyte imbalances (for example, changes in potassium or sodium levels in the blood). These effects may be increased when burdock get together with diuretic drugs.

Burdock root interferes with iron absorption when taken internally. Because of its diuretic actions, burdock should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. Burdock been shown to interact with hypoglycaemic drugs, anti-inflammatory medications and lithium treatment, when taken internally. Burdock root in large quantities may stimulate the uterus and therefore, should be used with caution during pregnancy. It recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women to refrain from using burdock products because of its highly effective diuretic effect.

Also, in order to avoid affected by allergies and side effects of burdock root caused by interaction with other medicines or herbal remedies, talk to the health care practitioner or a specialist before starting any treatment involve burdock extracts or products.

Using this herb believed to be safe but we should avoid unwanted side effects of burdock root. Those include slow heart rate, dry mouth, extreme changes of sugar levels in blood and contamination.