Burdock , a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family , is known in the scientific world by the name of Arctium iappa , and is also known for being a skin-friendly plant. In fact, we often find it used as a remedy for acne, dermatitis, eczema, seborrhea, dandruff and psoriasis.
Its name, the “technical” one, does not refer to this power, but to a completely different characteristic. Arctium , in Greek means “bear”, wants to recall its hairiness to underline the bristly appearance of the plant. Iappa in turn could derive from the Celtic language in which llap means “hand”: the flower of the Burdock looks just like a hand and sticks to anything that passes near it. Iappa however could always come from the Greek, with a similar logic: labein (to stick) would always tell the fact that the fruit of this plant sticks to clothes and animal hair.
A popular note, after so much ancient culture: in the beliefs of ancient peoples, Burdock was indicated as a cure for sterility. To be precise for the “ foeminam quae non posset infantare ”. As well as an antidote for snake venom. More recently, another alternative and curious use of this plant: studying its particular shape, so it seems, some experts had the idea that then led to the development of the open and close system: Velcro .
Burdock: plant
It is a herbaceous, biennial, bushy plant with a voluminous elongated root that divides into numerous stems, robust and branchy. The leaves of the Burdock resemble the shape of a heart, they are large, those at the base, and gradually less but always of considerably important dimensions. The lower part is green, the lower one has shades more tending to gray, the flowers instead are purple but not very showy, they emerge in summer, but they blend in with the vegetation.
The Burdock plant is widespread in the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, up to Japan. It is also found in Italy, therefore, more or less throughout the peninsula. From the plains to the mountains, it usually seeks uncultivated land and becomes almost invasive near old walls and paths.
Burdock: properties
It is the dermopathic plant par excellence, Burdock , recommended before any other colleague for the treatment of various types of dermatosis, both those related to biological and metabolic disorders . This characteristic is linked to the presence of polyunsaturated compounds, phenolic acids with antibiotic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it particularly valid also for seborrhea, dandruff and psoriasis. In phytotherapy it is also used for its purifying activity: it stimulates biliary and hepatic function , it is also hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic, laxative and antirheumatic.
The leaves of Burdock , collected in spring, after a year from the birth of the plant, must be reduced to juice to be used, the roots are collected during the autumn rest and contain, among many substances, especially inulin. It has a draining action and purifies the blood, eliminates toxins, that is, the “waste” of the various metabolic reactions of the organism. For this reason, you can use Burdock confident of obtaining benefits for the liver, kidneys, intestine and skin.
In American folk medicine, a decoction against gout is prepared with the seeds of this plant : it is said to strengthen the immune system, thanks to the polysaccharides it contains, and it is also a natural antibiotic thanks to the polyacetylenes and phenolic acids.
Burdock for acne
As we have mentioned, the strong point of Burdock is its effect against acne. For this reason it is the favorite plant for those who want to purify the skin, especially if it is mixed skin, tending to be oily, with impurities, with acneic manifestations and dilated pores. Therefore in need of a detoxifying, draining and purifying remedy for the hepatobiliary tract and blood. In need of Burdock .
It can be used topically, externally, obtaining a sebum-regulating, purifying, astringent action through a clay mask . To the clay, diluted in water, you can add 20 drops of Burdock mother tincture , 2 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of wheat germ oil. Mix and then spread on the skin of the face what you have obtained, you must find the patience to wait for the mask to act for 15/20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Finally, a decoction of Burdock to tone the skin. If you are not a mask type, like me, you can opt for the mother tincture – 30 drops 3 times a day away from meals is the recommended dose – or for the decoction, to be drunk away from meals, a couple of cups a day. In addition to acne, fresh crushed Burdock leaves can be a relief if applied to mosquito, wasp, bee and hornet bites: it quickly soothes the pain and reduces swelling.
Burdock in the kitchen
It is not its primary use, but this plant is edible in all its parts: leaves, roots and seeds. In Japan it is considered a popular vegetable , and is known by the name of gobo , in the East in general there is a rich tradition of recipes in which Burdock is included in the ingredients. Then there are culinary traditions in which even the raw stems are eaten, in salad, but not before having removed the outer bark and only if the plant is young.
Burdock: mother tincture
Burdock mother tincture is a concentrated food supplement of Burdock in drops. Consider that 40 drops (2 ml) contain 200 mg of Burdock.
It is therefore a practical and widely used way to take this medicinal herb that purifies toxins and ensures benefits to the liver.
On Amazon, on this page , you can find for example the 120 ml bottle of burdock mother tincture produced by naturalma, a company specialized in natural remedies, which produces vegan supplements in Italy and free from any artificial ingredients. The burdock tincture by naturalma is made with glyceric macerate or pure fluid extract of Burdock ( Arctium lappa ) herb and burdock roots in drops.
All naturalma products are registered with the Italian Ministry of Health.
Below is a picture of the packaging.
Burdock: herbal tea
An infusion of Burdock away from meals is an excellent detoxifier and has a draining and purifying effect on the skin. Just get a level tablespoon of root, chop it, boil the water and then leave the Burdock to infuse for 10 minutes. The decoction can also be used as a lotion: an external use that always acts on oily, asphyxiated skin, with blackheads or predisposed to acne or seborrhea.
Burdock in capsules
Another way to benefit from the precious properties of Burdock is to take it through specific capsule supplements.
On this page you can find, for example, a bottle of 200 tablets of 400 mg of organic Burdock produced through organic farming.
For optimal effect, you can take 2 to 3 tablets per day with a large glass of water during meals and always as part of a balanced diet.
