burdock //Arctium lappa
Deep Reaching Medicine
The etymology of the Latin name is uncertain: it may have derived from a r c t i u m , bear in Greek, or a r c t i o n , the name of a plant known to the Greeks and to the Romans (Pliny) as arcturus, whereas l a p p a is the Latin name for a ‘bur’. A bur is a prickly seed vessel and probably derives from b u r r e , bristle (compare Danish borre, Swedish hard-borre, Old Norse burst “bristle”).
I felt increasingly drawn to this plant over the last few years. I first started picking Arctium lappa near the biodynamic vineyards of Cascina degli Ulivi, in the valleys closer to home in the Alps, always on the margins of forests, of gardens, on abandoned land, surrounded by a rich community of grasses, occasionally nettles. I suspect burdock medicine reaches as deep as their roots.
I have enjoyed tincturing the roots and observing the sedimenting white layers as the polysaccharide inulin was extracted into 40 % vodka. I have also enjoyed making ink: the root yields a beautiful earthy brown. Their ashes (burnt when green) contain carbonate of potash and some nitrate.
Actions and Clinical Patterns
An incredible digestive and nutritive tonic burdock makes for a delicious infused vinegar. Their bitterness stimulates liver function while the inulin supports the gut microflora. Traditionally burdock has been used to treat skin conditions, like acne, as well as to stimulate hair growth and support scalp health. The aromatic water from burdock is an excellent anti-inflammatory for the skin and as a wash for ulcers and scabby skin disorders. From the observation of Hildegard of Bingen to studies published by in the medical journals Chemotherapy and Mutation Research burdock appears to inhibit cell mutation and tumour growth, the seeds specifically were shown to prevent cell mutation.
I have been wondering whether Burdock may be considered an adaptogen, considering their multifaceted action.
It is cleansing and supports the functions of liver, bowel and lymphatic system. Its inulin supports mineral absorption and balance hence supporting the organism in the prevention of osteoporosis. Its cold-extracted mucilage reduces sensitivity to acid, including acid reflux and it is soothing to all tissues while also helping absorb excess water and having an anti-spasmodic effect.
According to Cuelpepper burdock helps dissolve stones and the leaves help with burns and snake bites, both topically and as an infusion in the latter case.
Helpful on insect bites too and possessing some antimicrobial properties. It also helps balance glucose levels in the blood.
Cultivation & Harvesting
Biannual and likes partial shade. Root are to be harvested in the first year in autumn, winter or spring, leaves are better harvested when still young and tender. I tried to grow burdock from seeds and while they successfully germinated the plant did not survive in a very damp dominantly-clay soil: after days of rain the roots rotted away.
Other Observations
I have observed that Burdock medicine has helped me with Winter-induced sluggishness and made me feel more grounded overall.
As burdock can thrive even in the shade of others I have the feeling that it may help us to feel comfortable in situations where others or bad thoughts cast shadows over our lives.
The playful spirit of this plant made me feel more lighthearted while also determined and more tenacious. It may teach us to let go and not hold on too tight onto what no longer serves us, Nikki Darrel says they help us comb out dark thoughts. It may help with childhood trauma.
Main Constituents:
ROOT:
- INULIN (good prebiotic; anti tumour; antimicrobial; Lipid and glicemia lowering agent; actions; supports mineral absorption and balance) up to 50%
- MUCILAGE (soothing to GIT lining + reduce sensitivity to bitters)
- FIXED, ESSENTIAL & VOLATILE OILS
- STARCH
LEAVES:
- TANNIC ACID water soluble making ester with ethanol
- FLAVONOIDS (rutoside, quercitroside)
- PHENOLIC ACID
- TRITERPENES
Medicine Making:
Tincture in alcohol and vinegar
Infusion of roots and seeds
As a root vegetable (known as g o b o in Japan )
Leaf infusion for indigestion
Season and Energetics
Bitter, Drying and Cooling. I associate it to the month of November.