Greater Burdock aka Bardana

 Therapeutics

blood detoxifying, mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer (proapoptotic), antioxidant, angiogenic, immune enhancing, antimicrobial

Plant Anatomy & Growth

A perennial shrub that grows to be around 1 meter in height with roots that reach around 50 cm into the earth.

Native to Asia but now found worldwide, its traditionally harvested for leaves, seeds and roots to detoxify the blood. The roots have shown neuroprotective effects, protecting cells from glutamate-induced oxidative stress. Alcohol extracts of the leaves and roots show antimicrobial activity in wound and oral infections.

Color

The plant itself has broad leaves with wavy edges and green and red stems and spiky green and purple flowers. Roots are tan with a cream core. Alcohol extracts of Burdock tend to be brown to dark brown in color.

Constituents

Main constituents are arctigenin and arctiin. Also contains decaffeoy acids, fructofruanan and kaempferol. These compounds give it its bitter flavor that works to stimulate the digestive tract.

Uses

Take in the form of a tincture or as a tea. The whole plant is edible as well, so it can be eaten directly or taken in a capsule.