As with many plants, Burdock or Arctium lappa root can be used in a variety of ways. According to the esteemed (and recently deceased) physician and herbalist, William A. Mitchell, ND-- burdock can be used as an alterative, diuretic, apierient, cholagogue, diaphoretic and depuritive. The primary use of an alterative is to normalize function.
Taken internally, burdock can be used to help the body eliminate and stimulate the immune system. The major constituents are inulin and organic acids. The former can be helpful in supporting liver, digestion, and elimination (helpful for skin, joint and connective conditions) while the latter can act with other herbs as an antimicrobial (particularly staph infections.) In some cases, it may also be used as a poultice, rather than tincture.
The young burdock shoots can be eaten, and contain Vitamins A, B, C, calcium, iron and silicon. Burdock root is occasionally sold in the produce section of supermarkets. Simply peel the outer portion of the root, cut in edible-sized pieces and stir-fry with other vegetables. Although I've not done this, I'm sure it would be a good addition to other vegetables if you are making raw vegetable juice in a juicer. http://www.countrydoc.com
Dr. Karen Benton, Naturopathic Physician
answered by Dr K B N