BURDOCK

Burdock's roots, leaves & sometimes its seeds are used widely in herbal medicine to support liver function & has cleaning properties.
Like dandelion & yellow dock, burdock roots are bitter & capable of enhancing digestion & the absorption of nutrients & supporting the elimination of wastes.
Burdock roots, young shoots, peeled stalks & dried seeds contain numerous compounds that are known to have anti-oxidant, disease preventing & health promoting properties.
Burdock root has been successfully used as a treatment for Crohn's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome & helps in cellular regeneration & recovery from hepatitis & is an appetite stimulator. 
Burdock's antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties aid in circulation problems & has shown to block dangerous chemicals from causing damage to cells helping decrease the risk of developing cancer from toxic chemicals. 
It's antibacterial & antifungal properties aid in the elimination of uric acid or gout, also helping kidneys filter out impurities. 
Burdock is great for water retention, gallbladder, liver & kidney functions, urinary & circulatory systems. 
Burdock root detoxifies impurities through the bloodstream & eliminates it through the skin. 
Burdock seeds & roots may be useful in treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne & dryness, especially when these complaints are due to poor diet, constipation, or liver burden.
Burdock leaves & roots contain significant amounts of fiber that can help keep the bowels regular & promote growth of healthy bacteria in the colon.
Burdock is useful in cases of hormone imbalance that are not attributable to uterine fibroids, cancer, or other diseases. 
Today, burdock root is used in oncology for its cancer-curing properties, particularly in Russia & India.
Many herbalists say burdock root can stop cancer cells from metastasizing.
Burdock root can also be used to treat gout, rheumatism, ulcers.
Folk herbalists use it to treat snake bites & those that are afflicted with rabies.
Burdock is also high in iron & helps to strengthen the liver & kidneys, making it the first plant many herbalists reach for when treating hot skin eruptions such as psoriasis, eczema, herpes, acne & boils.
It’s also commonly paired with red clover as a duo that has been used for thousands of years to slow or eradicate tumors.
The leaves of the burdock can be used for pain management & to help speed up recovery time in burn patients.
It is said to impede bacterial growth & acts as a barrier against moisture.
It has been used in anorexia nervosa & similar conditions, also to aid kidney function & to heal cystitis. 
Burdock will move the body to a state of integration & health, removing such indicators of systemic imbalance as skin problems & dandruff.
Burdock root is known to have a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system, which is an important part of the immune system.
Burdock is recommended whenever there is lymph stagnation or congestion, indicated by swollen lymph nodes throughout the body.
Japanese studies suggest root contains compounds that may curb mutations & hence cancer & lowers blood sugar.
It is also a mild laxative.
It aids in the elimination of uric acid.

Burdock root can be applied externally as a salve or poultice for all skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rashes, candidas & herpes.
Externally, it may be used as a compress or poultice to speed up the healing of wounds & ulcers.
In folk medicine, the seeds of the burdock were compressed to make a mixture that provided relief for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, throat pain & viruses like the common cold.

The root is thought to be particularly good at helping to eliminate heavy metals from the body. The plant is antibacterial, antifungal, carminative. It has soothing, mucilaginous properties and is said to be one of the most certain cures for many types of skin diseases, burns, bruises etc. It is used in the treatment of herpes, eczema, acne, impetigo, ringworm, boils, bites etc. The plant can be taken internally as an infusion, or used externally as a wash. - See more at: http://happyherbcompany.com/burdock-root#sthash.WRD1Hd0U.dpuf

Burdock also makes an effective wash for dry, itchy, irritated skin.
Decoct the root & apply a cloth soaked in the tea directly to the skin. Or use the tea in the bathwater.

Eczema & psoriasis may also be treated this way externally, but it must be remembered that such skin problems can only be healed from within & with the aid of internal remedies.

The juice is drunk to rid the body of scabies & mites. 

PRECAUTIONS:

Burdock is a strong diuretic & is not appropriate for people with low blood pressure or excessive urination.
It should be used with caution as even small amounts can cause an initial flare-up in symptoms, particularly in skin disorders.Handling the leaves can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some genetically inclined people.
Cross allergy possible with chrysanthemums, daises or rag weed.
Because it can stimulate uterine contractions it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.
In large amounts the tannin content can cause gastrointestinal distress.
Should be used with caution in people on blood thinners.

RECIPES:

The root can be eaten by cooking them.
Wash the roots, chop them in pieces, steam until tender & eat with butter.
The leaves are edible, fresh & in soups.
The second year root & stems may be eaten if boiled in several batches of water. 
Burdock chips prepared like potato or banana chips are favorite snacks.
Young tender burdock shoots, harvested before flowering, used in salads or as a cooked vegetable.
Burdock's young leaves & stalks have been used in fresh salads while it's roots are boiled like asparagus. 
The roots were often times used as a substitute for coffee. The nutty taste of it's roots are highly sought after. Use burdock root in stir-fries, soups & even teas.
Because of its high inulin content you want to limit the amount of fresh burdock you eat & cook it well.
Inulin is a valuable substance, but it is difficult to digest & will cause excessive gas if not cooked thoroughly.

Burdock Root Tea Recipe: 

Steep 1 tsp dried herb in 1 cup water. 
Drink 3 cups a day. 
For swollen lymph glands drink 3 - 4 cups of burdock tea a day for it to effectively cleanse your system.
After 1-2 days, the swollen lymph glands should be gone.

Cooling Liver Tincture:

1 part burdock root
1 part dandelion root
¼ part cinnamon bark
vodka, brandy, apple cider vinegar or glycerin
Chop the roots & bark, place into the jar & cover with vodka, brandy, etc.
Keep covered in dark & warm place for 4-6 weeks.
Take ½ - 1 tsp 3-4 times a day for 4 - 6 weeks.
You can continue taking the tincture for longer, if necessary.
An overly hot condition is indicated by a red or ruddy complexion, agitation, hot temper & an often “fired-up” personality.
Heat is good in the body, but too much heat can cause hypertension, heart problems & liver disorders.

Steamed Burdock Root:

Clean fresh burdock roots & peel if the outside seems particularly tough.
Grate the root.
Steam lightly, just 3 - 5 minutes, sprinkle with toasted sesame seed oil & stir well.
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Kidney Cysts:

Use young burdock leaves in month of  May.
Wash the leaves & crush & press the juice out.
On the 1.st & 2.nd day take 1 tsp 2 times per day.
On the 3.rd & 4.th day take 1 tsp 3 times per day.
Next day take 1 tbsp 3 times every day for 1 month.
If cyst is still there, keep repeating the same way, after the little break, until you get the desired results.

BEAUTY:

Since the burdock oil is rich in phytosterols & essential fatty acids, it is also said to improve hair strength, shine & body by helping maintain a healthy scalp & promote hair growth.
It combines an immediate relieving effect with nutritional support for normal functions of the sebaceous glands & hair follicles.

MAGIC:

In the Middle Ages, knights often rode into battle with a sprig of burdock, which was said to protect & promote healing, particularly of the feet.
A charm of burdock root, gathered under a waning moon & strung around the neck, will ward away evil influences.
Burdock root, when strung like beads, were believed to protect children from witches. 
To inspire honesty in another, give them a wooden box packed with the burrs of burdock.
In folk magic Burdock was considered a powerful herb that could protect home & stables & played a role in transfer magic.
Burdock root is placed in amulets & in bowls of potpourri as a way to ward off negative energy.