Burdock (Arctium lappa)
A native herb to
Japan, this large leafy plant is now
naturalized in much of
North America and
Asia. It is commonly found as a
roadside weed and has large lobed leaves measuring about one foot or so long. The plant grows a large stalk in mid-summer, and by fall, has large
burs that will stick to clothing or to the fur of animals.
This
herb is mildly
diuretic,
hypoglycemic,
antifungal, and
antibacterial. It was once traditionally used as a remedy for such
ailments as
kidney stones and
gout, but today is used mainly as a cleansing herb.
The antifungal and antibacterial actions of this plant make it particularly useful in treating
skin disorders that may be aggravated by an abundance of bacteria, such as
acne,
eczema,
dermatitis,
boils,
psoriasis, and
dandruff.
Burdock is often combined with other herbs such as
calendula (Calendula officinalis),
echinacea (Echinacea purpurea),
lemon,
tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia),
witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and
patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) in order to treat skin disorders. Lotions, pastes, and washes are the most common preparations.
The antibiotic action of this herb stems mainly from the
polyacetylenes contained in the plant's
roots. This plant also contains
arctiin,
arctiopicrin,
tannins, and a
volatile oil.