(Compositae).
Popular names: burdock, burdock.
Parts used: root.
Pharmacy name: burdock root – Bardanae radix (formerly: Radix Bardanae).
Botanical description. This biennial plant reaches a height of 1-1.5 m and has a fleshy root up to 60 cm in length, from which small branches extend. A powerful longitudinally furrowed stem with a large core branches abundantly; not often acquires a red color in some places. On woolly-pubescent stems sit petiolate heart-shaped-ovate leaves, green above, and gray below, felt-pubescent; leaf size is noticeably reduced from bottom to top. Bluish-red rather large inflorescences are placed in the form of a loose umbrella-shaped brush. Yellowish leaves of the wrapper are hook-shaped at the end. Blooms in June-July. Burdock can often be found along roadsides, near fences, walls and embankments, in wastelands and pastures, as well as along stream banks.
Collection and preparation. The roots are dug up in autumn, cut into pieces and dried in the air.
Active ingredients: inulin, mucus, polyacetylene, essential oil, tannin, sitosterol, substances with antibacterial and fungicidal (antifungal) action, probably also with antitumor.
Healing action and application. Here, first of all, it should be said about the treatment of head hair against dandruff with burdock oil. This is an oil extract from burdock root, for which olive or kenaf oil is used (preparation methods vary greatly). As a diuretic, burdock root has largely fallen into disuse and is less common in so-called blood-purifying teas, but it is increasingly being used for disorders of the liver and gallbladder.
Use in homeopathy. The homeopathic remedy Arctium lappa is used for acne and eczema, especially in diseases of the scalp associated with flaking. Medium to stronger dilutions of this remedy are recommended (D 1 -D 1 2); should be taken several times every day, 3-5 (up to 10) drops.
Application in folk medicine. Basically, burdock root is recommended as a blood purifier, but also for violations of the liver and gallbladder. This is followed by internal and external use for all kinds of skin diseases. o Burdock root tea: 2 teaspoons with the top of the chopped root pour 1/2 liter of cold water, after 5 hours quickly heat to a boil, boil for 1 minute and strain. Dosage: 3 times every day for 1 cup of tea. Burdock root tea is also used to treat skin rashes – moisten, rinse or wrap. It is worth noting that traditional medicine also uses burdock oil.
Side effects are unknown.