English
Burdock, Lappa, Lappa Minor, Thorny Burr, Beggar’s Buttons’, Clothburr
Español
Abrojo volador, Bardana, Lampazo
Latin
Arctium minus Bernh
Anishinaabemowin
Wi-sugibug, Mazanag, Gichi-mazaanag, Wiisagibagoon
Physical Description
Naturalized in North America, from Asia and Europe, burdock grows from 2-5 ft. and can be found along roadsides and in all vacant lots. The stems are stout with wide spreading branches carrying alternately elongated heart-shaped leaves. The root and seeds taste sweet and slimy, and the leaves and stems are bitter.
Uses & Preparation
Parts used: Root, seed, leaves, stems, and the whole herb.
The Flambeau Ojibwe uses the root of burdock as one of the ingredients for pain in the stomach. Burdock is used for rheumatism, gout, pulmonary catarrh, chronic skin diseases such as scrofula and syphilis, and to dissolve urinary deposits. Externally used as a salve or wash for eruptions, burns, wounds, hemorrhoids and swelling. The leaves are useful in fever, by bruising and applying to the forehead, or 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. The Potawatomi make a “tea” from the Burdock root, which is taken as a general tonic and blood purifier. Burdock is a wonderful cleansing tonic, which gently works on the liver and kidneys to ‘cleanse the blood’ or gently clear congestion and toxins from the body. Burdock is used for various skin problems, from eczema and acne to psoriasis. It cleanses the liver and kidneys and restores either dry or greasy skin to normal. Burdock oil, also called Repeinoe Maslo, has a reputable lifeline as a hair tonic to strengthen and encourage new hair growthair (it takes 6-8 months for a noticeable change). Burdock is filled with an abundance of minerals, especially iron. A valuable blood purifier, it removes toxic wastes from the body and promotes kidney function. Great in combination with dandelion for any skin disease.
The Flambeau Ojibwe uses the root of burdock as one of the ingredients for pain in the stomach. Burdock is used for rheumatism, gout, pulmonary catarrh, chronic skin diseases such as scrofula and syphilis, and to dissolve urinary deposits. Externally used as a salve or wash for eruptions, burns, wounds, hemorrhoids and swelling. The leaves are useful in fever, by bruising and applying to the forehead, or 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. The Potawatomi make a “tea” from the Burdock root, which is taken as a general tonic and blood purifier. Burdock is a wonderful cleansing tonic, which gently works on the liver and kidneys to ‘cleanse the blood’ or gently clear congestion and toxins from the body. Burdock is used for various skin problems, from eczema and acne to psoriasis. It cleanses the liver and kidneys and restores either dry or greasy skin to normal. Burdock oil, also called Repeinoe Maslo, has a reputable lifeline as a hair tonic to strengthen and encourage new hair growthair (it takes 6-8 months for a noticeable change). Burdock is filled with an abundance of minerals, especially iron. A valuable blood purifier, it removes toxic wastes from the body and promotes kidney function. Great in combination with dandelion for any skin disease.