BURDOCK Arctium lappa, L.( Vishaya Schkolla, Moscow, 1963)
Parts Used: Root, seed, leaves, stems, the whole herb. Solvents: Diluted alcohol, boiling water( partially). Bodily Influence: Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Alterative. Uses: Herbalists all over the world use Burdock. Such an effective and ultimate blood purifying plant has well earned the unpretending authentic value for which we know it is capable. The root and seed of Arctium lappa is a soothing demulcent, tonic, alternative; it slowly but steadily cleanses skin, soothes the kidneys and relieves the lymphatics; eliminates boils, carbuncles, canker sores, styes, felons, etc. Soothing to the mucous membrane throughout the entire system, and is also used for gout, rheumatism, scrofula, syphilis, sciatica, gonorrhoea and kidney diseases. l is best combined with more stimulating agents.
Tincture of Burdock root, 10 – 20 drops Tincture of Golden seal, 8 – 12 drops Tincture of Buchu, 10 – 15 drops.
The above can be made into a herbal tea preparation reducing the formula by a quarter and using ounces instead of drops. The leaves shredded fine in aged wine will help if bitten by a mad dog. Externally: The leaves will be found very useful in fever, by bruising and applying to the forehead, or to the soles. For burns, shred the bruised leaves fine and fold into a stiffly beaten egg white; it will relieve the pain and hasten healing. Homoeopathic Clinical: Tincture of fresh root— Acne, Bunion, Dupuytren’ s contraction, Eczema serpeginosa, Eruptions, Glands( affections of), Gonorrhoea, Gout, Impotence, Leucorrhoea, Phosphaturia, Rheumatism, Ringworm, Scrofula, Sterility, Ulcers, Uterus( prolapsus of). Russian Experience: As in North America, herbs have several common names. Burdock is very popular scientifically and as a home medicine; it is known as Repeinik or Lopuh, very close to the official Latin name of Lappa.
Burdock roots contain from 27 – 45 per cent inulin, and up to 12 per cent protein, as well as oils and other trace minerals. Therefore it is easy to understand why they consider food as medicine, and medicine as food. It is best to collect the roots of one- or two-year-old plants in the autumn. Folk Medicine: The use of Burdock in Russia can be traced back many generations both as a table herb and a medicine cabinet herb. Especially valued as a diaphoretic for dropsy, gout and rheumatism. Clinically: Used in the form of extracts, ointments, tinctures and oils for the same purpose as Folk Medicine administered for generations. Food: If you happen to see persons digging a hole in Russia it could very well be they are preparing a pit for fish or game to be wrapped in Burdock leaves( they do not use any added seasoning). A fire is made in the pit and when the ground is hot enough they take away the ash and charcoal, place the carefully wrapped morsel in the bottom and cover with the surrounding sides, which have reached a