We have probably all walked through a field, only to be annoyed by the pesky burrs stuck to our socks or pant legs. But the root of that plant is a major ingredient of a wide variety of healthy remedies. Burdock (officially Arctium lappa) grows wild in Europe, Asia, and North America. The root is sweet and has a gummy consistency but the leaves are bitter like dandelion. The stalks taste a little like celery.

Burdock's active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. It contains vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C and a few other vitamins. Burdock provides significant amounts of chromium, copper, iron, and magnesium. The root also contains trace amounts of organic mercury, making it ideal for mercury detox formulas.

Though the roots pack the greatest potential for healing, other parts are used as well. Historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were compressed to make a mixture that was effective in easing pain from arthritis, and treating gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The burdock seeds contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diaphoretic, which leads to increased perspiration. This cleanses the body and helps in treating influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders, and to aid the kidneys. The leaves or tea from the leaves have been used successfully to treat poison ivy or poison oak. In the far east, the leaves are used like lettuce and the root is eaten as a vegetable.

The most popular western use of burdock root and seeds is as a primary herb in blood purifier formulas. Just how this works is uncertain though it seems to be related to its diuretic properties. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock root can be used as a gentle laxative and help rid the body of uric acid. Some active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, that are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals.

Traditionally, burdock root has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and believe it to be effective in treating barrenness and impotence.

The burdock root extract has long been used in Europe to treat dandruff and encourage healthy hair growth. To improve the condition of your hair, simply massage burdock root oil into your scalp. Also, recent studies have shown that arctigenin, a chemical in burdock, may well be effective in treating some types of cancer by slowing tumor growth. It contains Essiac and Hoxsey, both used in cancer treatment.

Burdock is easily obtainable as an ingredient in teas, ointments, Bur oil, or pills. Many herbalists say it is safe to be taken internally, externally, or as food. However, it is important to make sure that the herb is pure. It is not toxic this way. Be careful in gathering it yourself. It looks a bit like belladonna, a plant that can be fatally toxic if ingested.

Though some tests indicate burdock is may help with abnormal blood sugar levels, it should be used cautiously for this. Mixed opinions are given about use of burdock by pregnant women because some say it may cause uterine contractions. It is best used in combination with other herbs since it can start the body cleansing too rapidly if used alone. If used by itself, start with small amounts. Also, for its blood cleansing effects to be maximized, burdock needs to be used consistently over an extended period, at least three months.