Burdock flowers medicinal properties and contraindications. Burdock root: medicinal properties, application. Burdock Leaf Powder

Nature has given man a rich flora, not only so that people can admire it. All plants are filled with useful substances that are so necessary to the human body. They have medicinal properties and practically no adverse reactions and contraindications, except for individual intolerance.

It is useful for all people to learn how to use this gift correctly, and then everyone’s health will improve. This article will talk in detail about burdock, its beneficial properties and use in cosmetology and medicine.

Burdock or burdock is a common plant in our country (about 6 species), it can be found everywhere. It grows well in temperate climates, so it can always be seen in America, Europe and Asia. The plant can reach a height of up to 3 meters, it depends on the variety (there are more than 20 varieties in total).

Its root system is quite powerful, so the root length can be 1.5 meters. Burdock is distinguished by its large leaves, dark green. They are found in huge sizes and can reach 40 cm.

Once a year, burdock blooms; its inflorescences are collected in baskets, which are covered with bristles and have rounded ends. An amazing device allows them to cling to clothing and become entangled in animal fur. This ability allows seeds to be dispersed over long distances.

Due to its rich composition, burdock is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. Most often the root is used for medicinal purposes, but sometimes leaves and flowers are used.

Burdock is rich in the following beneficial substances:

• the seeds contain fatty oils (up to 30%);
• inulin;
• tanning components;
• stigmasterol;
• minerals;
• essential oils;
• sitosterol;
• vitamins (P, B, C, A, E);
• protein;
• bitterness;
• fatty acids (stearic and palmitic).

In many countries around the world, burdock is eaten and grown in garden beds like an ordinary vegetable plant. The roots are used in cooking, they are fried or crushed, and this produces something similar to coffee. Leaves and shoots are eaten raw and added to various salads.

Medicinal properties, contraindications and harm

The healing properties of burdock have been known since ancient times. Rich composition, encourages people to use it in traditional and folk medicine.

The root is most often used, but the leaves are also used. Many products are made from burdock medicines, and also prepare decoctions, tinctures and ointments.

Experts identify many ailments that this amazing plant can treat.

Among the main diseases are:

• chronic gastritis and pancreatitis;
• stomach ulcers and duodenum;
• liver dysfunction, hepatitis, cholecystitis;
• skin diseases (psoriasis, allergic rashes, eczema, acne, seborrhea, burns);
• childhood rickets;
• urolithiasis, cystitis, urethritis;
• changes in the functioning of uric acid;
• gout;
• haemorrhoids;
• used as an antipyretic;
• diabetes mellitus, for treatment and prevention;
• in case of poisoning and alcohol intoxication;
• for preventive purposes of cancer;
• Burdock oil is used to strengthen hair and restore strength;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Despite the numerous beneficial properties of burdock, it can still cause harm. This happens due to poor ecology, as the plant absorbs a lot of air.

It retains harmful substances that not only destroy useful composition, but are also harmful to health.

Because of this, it is prohibited to collect burdock leaves and roots near busy highways and in the city.

To know for sure that burdock does not have toxic and harmful substances, it is better to collect it in the village or plant several beds in the country. If this is not possible, then it is easier to buy ready-made roots or leaves at the pharmacy.

Sometimes it happens that properly prepared burdock can harm the body. This happens due to individual intolerance. As a rule, an allergic reaction occurs if medicines, based on burdock, taken orally.

Unpleasant symptoms are accompanied by the following complications:

• a rash appears on the skin that itches;
• sneezing and runny nose;
• inflammation of the mucous membranes, eyes and nose;
• dry cough.

If a person experiences such reactions, they should inform the doctor and stop using the medicine.

For some diseases, burdock is generally contraindicated:

• hypertension;
• cardiovascular problems;
• thyroid diseases;
• during pregnancy;
• during breastfeeding;
• children under 12 years old.

Considering Negative influence burdock on human health, it is important to take it with caution, observing the dosage. During treatment, it is important to listen to the body and, if necessary, stop taking the drug.

The use of burdock in folk medicine

Experts have conducted a lot of research and found that the rich composition of burdock has a good effect on both men and women. female body. It contains components that are necessary for the proper development and treatment of the child.

The benefits of burdock for women in gynecology

Burdock is often used in gynecology; for example, this plant can cure many women's ailments.

• The juice obtained from the leaves can combat uterine fibroids.

Raw materials must be collected in August. The leaves should be washed and dried well, and then passed through a meat grinder. From the resulting liquid, you need to squeeze out the juice.

Accept medicinal juice necessary according to a certain scheme. For the first 3 days, drink 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach, the next 2 days take 1 teaspoon 30 minutes before meals. In the next 25 days, 1 tbsp. spoon, 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. Then take a break for 7 days and repeat the course of treatment.

• Burdock root helps with bleeding.

The rhizome of the two-year-old plant is dug up, dried and processed into powder. A tincture is made from the finished raw materials. Take 5 g of powder and pour a glass of boiling water. The mixture is poured into a thermos and left for 12 hours. The infusion must be filtered and taken 100 mg 4 times a day. The course of treatment lasts for a month.

• Burdock leaves for chest inflammation, during breastfeeding.

A burdock leaf is applied to the shiny sides of the chest. It perfectly relieves pain, inflammation and reduces fever.

During pregnancy and lactation, burdock is harmful, so it is forbidden to take it orally.

Burdock juice for men's health

For male power Young shoots of the plant have been used for a long time. The branches must be washed, the outer skin removed and passed through a meat grinder. For every 100 g of the resulting mass, add 100 g of grated carrots.

All ingredients must be mixed thoroughly and then squeezed out the juice. The resulting liquid should be placed in a cold place for 10 hours. Then take 75 mg, 2 times a day, daily.

Benefits for children

Burdock is contraindicated for children under 12 years of age, but when prescribed by a doctor, it can be taken, since the child is under the supervision of a specialist. Medicines prepared from burdock help children as well as adults.

Burdock is an excellent remedy for improving skin and hair.

Burdock is a plant that restores beauty. It has been used in cosmetology for decades. Most likely, grandmothers told everyone about its amazing capabilities. This plant restores youth to the skin, gives strength to the hair and stimulates its growth.

Unique chemical composition burdock, contributes to the restoration of damaged curls. Healing masks, balms, rinsing infusions and decoctions are prepared from burdock. You can prepare all this with your own hands, or you can purchase ready-made products at the pharmacy.

Burdock has a positive effect on hair:

• making curls shiny and smooth;
• has a calming effect, reduces itching due to dandruff and lice;
• nourishes and moisturizes dry strands well;
• gently cleanses hair of dirt;
• protects hair from aggressive environmental influences;
• strengthens each hair, preventing hair loss;
• stops inflammatory processes;
• restores curls after traumatic procedures.

Only used in cosmetics natural ingredients this plant, which, when applied externally, has a positive effect on the skin. Such cosmetical tools relieve inflammation and bruises, and also normalizes sebum regulation.

The presence of active connective components promotes antifungal and anti-irritant effects on the epidermis. Burdock is especially effective for dry and itchy skin. It perfectly relieves puffiness and restores the skin water balance, making it soft and elastic.

Beneficial properties of burdock oil

Burr oil obtained by pressing the seeds and fruits of the plant. It has many useful substances that the human body needs. Among the main ingredients, inulin comes to the fore - it is a natural conditioner that smoothes hair, giving it shine and a healthy look.

The oil can be used in pure form, rubbing it into your hair. Its extract is also added to shampoos, conditioners and conditioners. Masks and other hair products are prepared on its basis.

Burdock oil is widely used to improve women's facial skin. Active components normalize the condition of the skin, giving it elasticity and good color. Regular use of the oil is beneficial and restores the skin, restoring its youth and beauty. Burdock oil is added to creams, used to make masks, or simply wiped over the face.

Medicinal recipes based on burdock: healing tinctures and decoctions with honey, alcohol and vodka

Due to its beneficial properties, burdock is widely used in medicine and cosmetology. Based on this plant, many medicinal mixtures are prepared, which, at a certain dosage, help against various diseases.

• Tincture that relieves acne.

You need to take 2 tbsp. spoons of crushed burdock root and combine it with 1 tbsp. spoon of honey, mix everything well. The resulting mass must be poured with vodka (200 mg) or alcohol and left for 2 weeks. Then strain and take the infusion 20 drops, 3 times a day before meals.

• Decoction at diabetes mellitus.

Take 25 g of burdock roots and pour a glass of boiling water. Boil over low heat for 10 minutes. Then they give the mixture an hour to brew and filter. Take 2 tbsp. spoons 3 times a day.

• Burdock juice is excellent for treating skin diseases.

You need to drink 30 ml daily throughout the month. Daily dose can be distributed 2 times.

• Healing ointment for ulcers and burns.

You need to combine 100 g of crushed burdock root with 150 mg of olive oil. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 20 minutes, then cool and strain. Apply to sore areas 2 times a day.

How to properly prepare and store burdock

It is necessary to start harvesting burdock roots in advance. Young roots annual plant, must be dug out in the fall. It is better to start harvesting burdock, which is two years old, in the spring. The dug roots need to be thoroughly shaken off the ground, and then washed thoroughly in cold water.

The top layer is removed with a knife, and the root itself is chopped into pieces of 10–15 cm. The roots must be dried in a well-ventilated room or outside under a canopy. The shelf life of harvested raw materials is 5 years.

The leaves are harvested in early autumn, at which time many useful substances are collected in them. The leaves are thoroughly washed, crushed and dried.

Burdock is a healthy plant, filled with many beneficial substances necessary for the human body. It is important to use the gifts of nature to the fullest; they can preserve health and beauty.

Traditional medicine finds use for many plants, using them healing properties fully. Large burdock is a widespread plant, also known as burdock, which is wrongly considered a weed: when correct use it can cure many diseases. Both the leaves of the plant along with the fibrous stems and its roots are used. This article will discuss the beneficial properties of burdock leaves, their chemical composition, indications for use, harvesting principles and methods for preparing homemade medicines based on this plant.

Chemical composition

The composition of this amazing plant has not yet been studied in detail. Studies have shown that it contains the following substances:

1. Vitamins: carotene, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, cobalamins.
2. The mineral composition is represented by microelements - zinc, copper, selenium, aluminum, and macroelements - calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus.
3. Tannins and bitter substances.
4. Essential oils.
5. Alkaloids.
6. Plant proteins.

Important! Decoctions and tinctures of this plant have a pronounced diuretic effect that lasts for one-two hours after application. If you are treating with a burdock-based product, plan your location so that for the first time after use you will be close to the restroom.

Beneficial and healing properties of burdock leaves

Most often, burdock leaves are used to relieve swelling from bruises and decoctions are made from them to strengthen hair. There are other, lesser-known beneficial properties of this plant.

Before using its leaves for medicinal purposes, you need to know what exactly they treat:

Contraindications and harm

There are no restrictions on the use of this plant for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The only exception may be individual intolerance to the substances it contains.

How to prepare and when to collect burdock leaves for treatment

This biennial plant develops a young rosette and takes root in the first year of its life, and in the second it produces a stem with aster-like flowers. Green mass can be collected in both the first and second years. Collection is carried out in the spring - at the end of April or beginning of May, when the leaves reach a length of 15 cm.

As soon as the plant produces a flowering arrow, it becomes unsuitable as a medicinal raw material. Collect only bright green, smooth leaves without holes, damage, or signs of mold or rot.

Did you know? Absolutely all species of the Burdock genus are medicinal plants. The burdock itself belongs to the Astrov family - its small individual flowers are purple in color and always holly. This plant was first included in the official botanical classification in 1762 by an English botanist named John Hill.

Separate the collected green mass from the stems, chop finely, and lay out to dry in a dry and bright room. From sun rays Drying leaves should be protected. After drying, collect the burdock mass in cotton bags or a ceramic container, wrap it in thick natural fabric and store it in a dark, dry place.
You can store finished raw materials for no longer than a year. Every four weeks it must be taken out, opened and ventilated to medicinal mass didn’t lock up and didn’t suffocate.

Important! The roots and stems of this plant tend to accumulate heavy metals: collection of raw materialsCarry out in an ecologically clean area, as far as possible from large highways and industrial enterprises.

Use in folk medicine: recipes

In their raw form, the leaves are most often used to relieve bruises; in other cases, teas, decoctions, tinctures and other medicines are prepared from them.

Vodka tincture

Depending on the components added to it, the tincture can be used to treat skin diseases, joint problems, intestinal disorders. The following recipe will be effective against salt deposits, joint diseases, rheumatic pain and arthritis.
Ingredients:

• dried burdock leaves - 10 g;
• honey - 15 ml;
• elecampane root - 5 g;
• vodka - 200 ml.

Cooking method:

1. Place the dried and finely chopped leaves into a small ceramic container, pour in honey and leave to soak for ten minutes.
2. Finely chop or grind the elecampane into a pulp. Add it to the crushed mass.
3. Pour the resulting mixture with vodka.
4. Close the container tightly, shake it well and leave to infuse in a dark and warm place for two weeks. Every three days, take out the container and shake it again to refresh the contact surface of the components.
5. After two weeks, strain the resulting tincture through a strainer or gauze cloth, pour into a glass container and seal tightly.
6. Take the tincture once every day, fifteen drops half an hour before meals. With strong joint pain rub your problem joints with it every day after hot bath or soul.

Compress on joints

This method of treatment involves the use of young, freshly picked leaves.

Ingredients:

• fresh leaves - 5 pcs.;
• Vishnevsky ointment - 10 g.

Mode of application:

1. Rinse the leaves under cool running water. Cut off the stems.
2. Stack the sheets on top of each other, cover the stack with a sheet of clean paper and place it under a heavy, hot press (you can use a saucepan with hot water or a heated iron).
3. Press the leaves for five minutes to warm them up. Lubricate the problem joint with Vishnevsky ointment.
4. Apply a compress of leaves to the joint with the smooth side facing up. Secure the compress bandage or an adhesive plaster, wrap it with a woolen scarf or scarf on top, since the effect of this product is best manifested in warmth. If you are bothered severe pain, it will be useful and correct to leave the bandage overnight.
5. The course of treatment lasts two weeks or until symptoms are completely eliminated. In addition to ointment, you can use honey as a lubricant, olive oil or alcohol tincture calendula.

This is an effective remedy for combating female diseases. It is used for mastopathy, neoplasms, sexual dysfunction and hormonal levels. The juice can also be used to combat skin problems.

Important! It is not recommended for men to consume burdock juice in its pure form. It contains phytoestrogens - plant analogues of female sex hormones, which will have negative impact on male sexual function.

Ingredients:

• fresh leaves - 300 g;
• boiled water - 700 ml.

Cooking method:

1. Wash freshly picked leaves in a mild soap solution and rinse under running water. Clean them of small debris and dried areas, cut off the stems.
2. Grind the peeled leaves in a blender until you obtain a smooth paste.
3. Transfer the resulting green mass into a ceramic or enamel container, cover with a lid and leave to infuse for two hours.
4. Strain the resulting juice through gauze, pour into a glass container and seal tightly. Store juice in a cool, protected place. sunlight place for no longer than three months, as it tends to sour.
5. The course of treatment lasts from seven to nine days. You need to take 10 ml of juice every day before meals. If necessary, the course of treatment can be repeated after two weeks.

Tea

This medicinal drink is effective remedy from intestinal disorders and diseases. It has a mild laxative and enveloping effect, tones the stomach and normalizes the production of gastric juice.

Did you know? Velcro owes its appearance to tenacious burdock baskets. In 1947, a Swiss engineer named Mestral was walking with his dog in nature, and upon returning home he noticed that the dog’s fur was completely covered with burdock. Having untangled several burdock balls from the wool, Mestral examined them under a microscope and noticed that they cling to surrounding objects with small, steeply curved hooks. After a year of work, Mestral presented the revolutionary discovery to the public- tenacious Velcro fastener.

Ingredients:

• dried leaves - 20 g;
• dried linden flowers - 10 g;
• dried chamomile flowers - 5 g;
• water - 400 ml.

Cooking method:

1. Boil the water. In a ceramic teapot, mix burdock leaves, chamomile and linden flowers.
2. Pour boiling water over the resulting mixture, close the kettle and let the ingredients brew for seven minutes.
3. Drink the resulting tea on an empty stomach, one and a half glasses, if desired, with a tablespoon of buckwheat or linden honey.
4. Continue the course of treatment for two weeks or until the discomfort is completely eliminated.

Did you know? In the Land of the Rising Sun, burdock is held in high esteem. It is grown as a cultivated garden plant and is known as “gobo”. The Japanese use all parts of the burdock and find the most various applications. A drink similar to our chicory is widely brewed from roasted crushed roots. They are also soaked, stewed, and cutlets, flatbreads, and soups are prepared from the resulting mass. Young leaves are also used in cooking: they are added to soups, noodles, salads and vegetable mixtures.

Burdock leaves are a safe to use and affordable medicinal plant. It has many beneficial properties and complete absence contraindications. Folk remedies made from the leaves of this plant are used for skin diseases, problems with the digestive tract, reproductive system and joint diseases.
If you select suitable medicine and adhere to the recipe for its preparation, then regular use of this remedy will have a beneficial effect on the body and help cure the disease.

Burdock. Medicinal properties

Burdock among medicinal plants deservedly occupies an honorable place, although it is very unpretentious and grows wherever it can: along roads, in the garden, in the vegetable garden, near dwellings, in fields, along streams, rivers, in forests.

WITH therapeutic purpose The leaves, seed fruits and roots of the plant are used.

Medicinal properties of burdock universal. Complex contained in burdock active substances unique. Especially found wide application burdock roots, rich in inulin (up to 45%) - a polysaccharide that is effectively used as a starch and sugar substitute for diabetes. The roots are also rich in protein (up to 12%), essential oil (up to 17%), organic acids, resins and tannins.

Burdock leaves contain a large number of ascorbic acid, flavonoids, essential oil, mucus.

The healing properties of burdock have been known since ancient times. The plant is capable of providing diaphoretic, diuretic, lactic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, tonic, immunostimulating, antioxidant, wound-healing, antitoxic, blood purifying and antitumor effects. In addition, burdock preparations are good against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Herbal medicine includes burdock in preparations for the treatment of kidney stones, dysbiosis, obesity, hemorrhoids, tachycardia, hyperthyroidism, ascites, radiculitis, alcoholism, stomatitis, erysipelas, and radiation sickness.

Burdock is remarkable because it is non-toxic and has no contraindications or side effects.

Application

Burdock roots are used to stimulate metabolism as a diaphoretic, diuretic, and absorbent. The leaves are used mostly for skin diseases and for compresses, and are also used as an anesthetic for back pain, joint pain, and sciatica.

To do this, burdock leaves are scalded with boiling water and applied to the sore spot, 5-6 pieces at a time, covering the top. compress paper and insulated with a woolen scarf. Fresh or dry burdock leaves are soaked or boiled in milk and used to treat joint pain, non-healing wounds, ulcers, mastopathy, burns, boils and abscesses.

Burdock is also used as antitumor agent . Traditional medicine often uses this plant for many diseases, even those that are difficult to cure. So burdock is often used as an herb against cancer. When the stomach is affected by a malignant tumor, burdock roots are used in the first year of life. Such roots are dug up in the fall, when the plant has completely withered. The root is grated and fresh eat 1-2 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. For future use, you can make juice from burdock roots, which is preserved with vodka in 1:1 parts.

Burdock juice is consumed 1 hour before meals, 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. The same juice is used for all types of tumors gastrointestinal tract.

Freshly squeezed burdock juice is useful for skin cancer - it is used both externally and for internal use.

Juice from burdock root is also very valuable because it effectively resolves cysts in the body, regardless of their location.

In addition to burdock root and its inflorescence, they are suitable for the treatment of cancer. It is useful to drink tea from inflorescences that were collected during flowering or fruiting. This tea is drunk for cancer of the liver, intestines, stomach, prostate and others. malignant tumors. To prepare this tea you will need 8-10 inflorescences per 1 glass of boiling water. Tea has a mild laxative and antitumor effect.

Burdock is used as an antitumor agent both alone and in mixtures. For example, for stomach cancer, traditional medicine recommends the following recipe: black poplar buds - 5 g, calamus root - 10 g, burdock inflorescences - 25 g, burdock roots 35 g, thistle - 50 g. The parts of the collection are mixed and crushed. Then 1 tbsp. pour 500 ml of boiling water over a boat of the mixture. Let it brew for 1 hour. Take 150 ml 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

Burdock preparations are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of diseased liver . According to many herbalists, burdock roots are effective means for the treatment of the liver and pancreas. It is included in the corresponding herbal preparations.

In equal parts, mix the roots of burdock and elecampane, yarrow herb, St. John's wort, knotweed and tripartite, chamomile and tansy flowers, and rose hips.

Pour 1 glass of water into 1 tbsp. collection spoon. Boil for 20-30 minutes over low heat, let steep for 30 minutes. Then squeeze out the raw materials. Take half a glass 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

Using burdock to lower blood sugar. The insulin-like effect of burdock root has been experimentally proven. Therefore, it is effectively used to lower blood sugar both as monotherapy and as part of medicinal herbs y fees. For example, in initial stages A collection consisting of blueberry leaves, bean fruit leaves and burdock roots, chicory roots and flax seeds is useful for diabetes. Pour 1 glass of water into 1 tbsp. spoon of mixture. Boil for 15 minutes over low heat, cool, strain. Take 1 glass of decoction 3-4 times a day.

As a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent for inflammation genitourinary system An infusion of burdock leaves helps a lot.

1st method. Pour 2 cups boiling water over 2 tbsp. spoons of dry burdock leaves. Boil for 5-7 minutes over low heat. Remove from heat, cover and wrap. Leave for 1 hour. Strain and drink warm 0.5 cups 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is a month. Break for 15 days and repeat treatment if necessary.

2nd method. Pour into an enamel bowl with 1 cup hot water 10 g (1 tbsp.) dry burdock roots (can be bought at the pharmacy). Close the lid and heat for 30 minutes in a water bath. Cool and drink half a glass warm 2-3 times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is as in the previous recipe.

Unhealed wounds It is good to treat with burdock ointment. Recipe: pour 200 g of sunflower oil (or better yet, almond oil) with 75 g of fresh crushed burdock root, leave for a day in a dark place. Then cook for 15 minutes over low heat, strain and use for treatment.

Burdock - contraindications

Burdock contraindications relate to it internal use. Although there are no absolute contraindications for its use for treatment. For safety, pregnant and nursing mothers should still exercise caution when using burdock preparations, and also follow the prescribed doses.

To avoid adverse consequences, people prone to allergies and individual intolerances should consult a specialist about the contraindications of burdock before starting to use its preparations for treatment.

Now you know how to use wonderful medicinal properties of burdock and its wide application for medicinal purposes. Hope they help you if needed. Be healthy!

Burdock (Arctium lappa) is also known by such names as Burdock, Dedovnik, Lopeshnik, Relyak, Repnik, Ashpelnik and Burdock. Burdock is a biennial herbaceous plant that has large, broadly ovate leaves, the color of which is green on top and grayish-felt underneath. Burdock root is branched and thick, spindle-shaped. It grows about 15 meters deep. The stem of the plant is quite powerful and is fully formed only in the second year of its life. Burdock grows upward about 2-3 meters, the leaves are quite large, and in the first year of their life they are basal, oval or triangular in shape, drooping, with a diameter of 50 cm. Burdock flowers are very small in size, lilac-purple in color, collected in “ baskets." The fruits of this weed are in the form of small seeds that fully ripen only at the end of summer.

Today there are about 11 species of burdock, whose habitat is located in the temperate zone of Asia and Europe, as well as the British Isles and Japan. Burdock also grows in Northern and South America, where it prefers mostly fertile soil. It became widespread in Europe and Russia during the Great Patriotic War, when in 1812 Russian soldiers brought burdock seeds with them. In Russia, this plant can be easily found on heavy soil, forms continuous thickets on the banks of rivers and other bodies of water, grows on the side of the road, in ravines and even in garbage dumps. It is also widespread in vegetable gardens as a weed, in gardens, wastelands and clearings.

Harvesting and storing burdock

Burdock raw materials can easily be found on the herbal shelf in pharmacies, but you can also prepare raw materials at home without any extra effort. Basically, it is burdock root that has medicinal properties. It is harvested mainly from September to October in the second year of life. To carefully remove the root, you need to dig up the entire plant with a shovel, shake it off the ground, cut off the thin roots and the above-ground part of the burdock with a knife, rinse in cold water and peel off the bark. After this, the root should be spread in a thin layer on a cloth or newspaper to dry under a canopy in a dry place (possibly in the attic).

Basically, after drying, the root should be packaged in a cloth bag and stored in a dark, dry, cool place. Dried burdock root has a slightly peculiar weak odor, a sweetish taste, with a slightly noticeable mucousness. Burdock root contains bitter and tannin substances, essential oil (0.17%), protein (up to 12%), and inulin (up to 40%). Decoctions from the root are used mainly as a diuretic and diaphoretic. It is also very useful to drink burdock root for rheumatism and gout. The infusion of the root for hair extensions is also very popular. It is usually used with butter or almond oil.

Burdock greens are also suitable for drying. It must be collected from early spring until late autumn. It can not only be dried and stored for decoctions, but also frozen or salted, and the weed petioles can be pickled.

Use in everyday life

Burdock leaves and stems are very common as an additive in salads. Many people also like to eat burdock roots raw, fried or pickled, and even add it to soup! If the root is thoroughly dried, it can be used to make flour for mixing with wheat and baking very tasty bread.

Not many people know that burdock itself and its flowering is a highly productive honey plant that bees simply adore and cannot fly past. Honey from burdock blossoms has a dark hue, is viscous, has a delicate aroma and a very pleasant taste, which can only be compared in terms of the content of its beneficial substances with linden honey. Over a short period of its life, burdock can accumulate a lot of different substances useful for our body, especially potassium salts. It is precisely because of the excess of potassium salts that previously it was possible to obtain potash (potassium carbonate) from the dry stem by burning it, which is often used for soap making, crystal making, and even as a fertilizer for acidic soils.

Even burdock seeds have found their use in our lives. Because they are rich fatty oil, but due to their sharp bitterness they are not popular in food; they are actively used in perfumery for the production of drying oil. He also loves them Domestic bird as feed.

Composition and medicinal properties of burdock

1. Their medicinal properties burdock has been proven in practice thanks to many studies and rich experience traditional healers. This plant can be safely called medicinal, since its use has become widespread due to its diaphoretic, diuretic and mild analgesic properties.
2. In addition to all this, burdock can also easily relieve you of allergies, relieve itching, and even significantly improve the condition of your skin.
3. It has antiseptic and antimicrobial effect, and also a slight laxative effect, which is very helpful with gastrointestinal disorders, antidiabetic effect, and is widely used in the removal of kidney stones and the removal of salts in joints.
4. In dermatology it is also very often attributed, since the effect is not just quick, but also long-lasting.
5. Most often in medical practice It is the fresh or dried root of the burdock itself that is used, and much less often its flowering and leaves. Decoctions of burdock root are used for severe disorders stomach, with intestinal diseases, gout, metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus, edema, rheumatism, cholelithiasis, gastritis, exudative diathesis, stomach and duodenal ulcers and skin diseases.
6. In addition to decoctions, burdock oil is also used for diseases such as severe burns, bedsores, wounds, trophic ulcers and frostbite.
7. An infusion of burdock leaves is used for urolithiasis, stomach and duodenal ulcers.
8. Juice from burdock leaves (fresh) is used in the treatment of bruises, severe wounds, burns, ulcers, hematomas, boils and bedsores.
9. A decoction of burdock inflorescence and its fresh leaves is used for baths and compresses for diseases of the joints and spine.

The use of burdock in folk medicine

A decoction of burdock roots for urolithiasis and housing and communal services diseases

If you suffer from gastritis, urolithiasis or colitis, then it is recommended to prepare a decoction according to the following recipe: pour 10 g of crushed burdock root into a jar with 300 ml of boiling water, then leave the infusion in a water bath for about 30 minutes, cool and strain thoroughly. You need to take one glass of the decoction three times a day.

For the treatment of gout, rheumatism, hemorrhoids and exudative diathesis, use the following decoction

Take 100 grams of crushed burdock root and pour it into liter jar boiling water 0.5 l. Let the broth brew for about 40 minutes, then strain it through a gauze cloth and add a little honey to your taste. You need to drink this decoction 3 tablespoons 4 times a day.

Infusion of the plant for baldness, frostbite or for the treatment of burns and damage to the skin

To cure a burn or frostbite (which often happens in everyday life), or to cure baldness, an ointment prepared at home from burdock root is a great help. To do this, you need to take 25 leaves and burdock root (having previously crushed them), pour a small amount of boiling water over everything and leave to infuse for half an hour. After this, add a little butter (approximately 100 g) to the substance and rub the mixture on the problem area of ​​the skin.

Burdock oil for skin diseases and hair restoration

To cope with skin disease and also to promote active growth hair, you need to take 75 grams young root weed, and fill it with 200 ml sunflower oil. Insist this mixture you need at least one day, but no more than three. After infusion, the mixture is simmered over low heat for about 15 minutes, then removed from the stove, filtered while hot and cooled. When everything is done, apply with massaging movements to problem areas of the skin.

Fresh burdock juice for the treatment of wounds, bedsores, burns

For the treatment of burns, bedsores and wounds, making juice from green burdock leaves is also a good option. To prepare the juice, you need to take young shoots of grass and squeeze the juice out of them. Next, mix it with finely chopped burdock leaves, and apply it all as a compress to the sore spot.

A decoction of burdock leaves and flowers for lotions for joint and bone pain

to cure joint disease and osteochondrosis, you need to take 40 grams of a mixture of burdock leaves and inflorescences, pour the entire mixture with 0.5 liters of boiling water and boil over low heat for about 5 minutes. Afterwards, cool everything and strain thoroughly. Can be used as a lotion or compress.

Contraindications

Burdock is a fairly peaceful plant, which is very widely used in medicine and in everyday life. That is why it does not have any strict contraindications, but it is not recommended to use it in any form during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you have an individual intolerance to the weed itself.

The substances contained in burdock can cause bleeding in patients suffering from low blood clotting, as well as thrombocytopathy. As with other medicinal herbs, treatment with burdock is also not recommended for use in children under 3 years of age, since such treatment poses a potential danger to the baby. It is recommended not to self-medicate, and before using this or that decoction or ointment, you should consult with your doctor, who will decide whether you can use burdock root or not.

Burdock, also known as burdock, is an unpretentious herbaceous plant with an erect, branched stem 70 to 100 cm high. During flowering, it forms flowers in the form of balls of bright purple color. For gardeners, the plant always causes negative attitude, since it is a weed and can form extensive thickets in a short time.

There are more than 10 species of this plant. It is believed that burdock came to our regions since 1812, when it was almost universally used both in cooking and in medical purposes. IN modern world the root of the plant and its leaves remain popular as before. Fortunately, it grows on almost any soil and is completely unpretentious.

Composition of burdock

One hundred grams of raw burdock root contains:

Burdock leaves are usually used fresh, but the roots are especially distinguished by their beneficial properties in the first year of the plant’s life, then they become rough, hard and lose most useful qualities.

21 healing properties of burdock

1. Help of burdock for scalp problems

   Burdock oil is the most affordable and proven product obtained from the roots of the plant, and has found well-deserved use in cosmetology. Rich in phytosterols and fatty acids The oil helps strengthen the scalp follicles and has a beneficial effect on hair growth. With seborrhea, it controls the production of sebaceous glands.

2. Help with burns

   Freshly picked burdock leaves are used as a pain reliever for burns. A finely chopped leaf of the plant in a mushy form is applied to the affected area. In this case, the properties of burdock will have an antibacterial effect on the wound.

3. Prevention and treatment of cancer

   Research conducted by scientists in Russia and India has established the ability of the substances that make up burdock roots to actively resist the development of malignant tumors. The roots of the May plant are considered especially useful; they are stored for future use, dried and taken infused in alcohol and aqueous solutions. In addition to tinctures from the root, the flowers of the plant are also used. At cancer diseases internal organs take a remedy made from burdock roots, butter
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4. Liver treatment

   Herbal preparations aimed at treating diseases of the liver and pancreas include burdock raw materials. This is due to the fact that the connections chemical components carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen plants reduce inflammation in gastritis and colic. So, for cirrhosis of the liver, a collection of burdock, elecampane, St. John's wort, chamomile and mint roots is used.

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A decoction of the roots of the plant is famous for its medicinal properties in exacerbations of diseases of the digestive tract, in particular duodenal ulcers, gastritis and dysbacteriosis. Substances of mucous consistency found in burdock envelop the walls of the stomach, protecting it from unfavorable factors. For dysbiosis, use plant seeds infused with aqueous solution. Decoctions and infusions of burdock help cleanse the body of toxins and reduce blood glucose levels.

5. Increasing the body's immunity

   Drinking burdock tea can trigger mechanisms aimed at protecting against viruses and bacteria external environment, thereby enhancing the natural immune properties of a person. The ability to improve lower blood circulation gives the right to use burdock extract as an antirheumatic agent.

6. Improved skin appearance

   Skin is an indicator of our health. Sluggish, with a pale tone, it signals negative processes occurring within us. Burdock, having stimulating properties on digestive system and the ability to remove toxins, acts as a cleanser on the blood, while nourishing it with useful substances, which undoubtedly has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

7. Diuretic property of burdock

   An infusion of the roots of the plant is a diuretic, this property allows it, removes toxins from the body, stimulating the liver. Tea made from burdock increases sweating and removes toxins through the skin.

8. Diabetes help

   The ability of burdock to have a lowering effect on blood sugar levels is used to solve problems associated with diabetes. However, patients with this disease should use it with caution in combination with the main tablets.

9. Help with allergic reactions

   The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant can have a positive effect on atopic dermatitis – allergic disease caused by hypersensitivity to environmental allergens and characterized by itching. Burdock improves the quality of immune molecules and inhibits genes responsible for enhancing the body's immune properties.

10. Oral health

    A report from the Brazilian journal of dentistry, Biological and Pharmaceutical Journal, published an article in 2012, the content of which concerned the properties of the plant that affect dental infections. Studies have confirmed that burdock leaves are able to resist infections that destroy tooth enamel. Rinse oral cavity Infusions of burdock heal the oral mucosa and prevent the occurrence of caries.

11. Strong Bones

    The plant is rich in proteins, essential oils, insulin polysaccharide, protein substances, as well as the minerals magnesium, calcium and manganese. In our regions, burdock is compared to ginseng, in terms of the amount of beneficial substances and properties that it can provide. So one glass of boiled root can satisfy daily requirement in potassium and partially in magnesium, which makes this plant indispensable in the prevention of reducing the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.

12. Help with diseases of the endocrine system

    The composition of burdock includes vitamin B6, which controls the formation of hormones, and manganese in the plant is aimed at normal functioning pituitary gland, and is responsible for the production of sex hormones. The use of infusions with burdock extract gives a chance to increase the body's resistance to depressive states, while improving the performance of the entire endocrine system.

13. Cardiovascular Health

    One glass of brewed plant root contains daily norm vitamin B6, which is responsible for the amount of the amino acid homocysteine. High levels of homocysteine ​​in burdock increase the chance of solving cardiovascular problems vascular disease. Excessive presence of homocysteine, an intermediate product of methionine metabolism, can cause internal damage to the walls blood vessels, and burdock, rich in manganese, prevents this process.

14. Burdock for urinary tract diseases

    The ability of burdock root to eliminate excess fluid from the body makes it possible to classify it as a powerful diuretic. It is used to treat infections urinary tract, brewing finely chopped parts of the root in the form of tea.

15. Positive effect of burdock on intestinal motility

    The seeds of the plant are used in folk medicine to improve intestinal motility; their mild laxative effect can solve delicate issue constipation

16. Help with headaches

    The plant will also help with headaches. Like cabbage, a burdock leaf applied to the head can reduce headaches.

17. Cough treatment

    Consuming burdock root infusion will provide additional treatment for the respiratory system. Inhalations from the infusion of the plant will relieve inflammation of the throat and relieve dry cough.

18. Beneficial properties of burdock for joint diseases

    The use of burdock root reduces pain in those suffering from arthritis and osteoporosis, and also reduces joint swelling.

19. Anti-infective effect of burdock

    The phytochemical polyacetylene contained in fresh root plants can resist bacterial infections urinary tract, ringworm, as well as fungal infections. The antibacterial properties of the plant stimulate wound healing and help in treatment peptic ulcer.

20. Improved stomach function

    In folk medicine, burdock roots are used to treat problems of the gastrointestinal tract and as a stimulant. digestive. An infusion from the plant improves the secretion of bile, which improves the digestion process.

12 medicinal recipes from burdock

The Japanese have found the use of leaves and roots of the plant in their cuisine and prepare a lot of it delicious dishes. There, burdock is specially planted and grown in beds.

1. Salad

   Well-washed burdock leaves -200 g, 50 g horseradish, 100 g green onions, 30 g plantain leaves, finely chopped with salt and seasoned with sour cream, you can add sesame seeds.

2. Green gas station

   Pass through a meat grinder, or finely chop the leaves of burdock, sorrel, plantain, dill and parsley. Place the mixture in a plastic jar and freeze. If necessary, you can add it to side dishes and soups, as well as to meat and fish dishes.

3. Coffee

   The crushed, well-washed roots of the plant are fried in a frying pan until brown, then ground in a coffee grinder. This coffee is brewed in the traditional way, using one teaspoon of raw material for one cup of water.

4. Burdock root infusion

   It’s quite simple to prepare. 20 grams of finely chopped burdock roots should be poured with boiling water in the amount of 2 glasses and left, wrapped in a towel. Drink the infusion half a glass a day after meals. The range of help from this infusion is quite extensive; it will help with urinary tract diseases, peptic ulcers, problems with gastric motility, increased rates blood sugar, furunculosis. The period of taking this infusion for a positive result is about a month.
For constipation, drink 1-2 tablespoons of strained infusion made from one glass of boiling water and 30 grams of burdock seeds. For achievement positive effect You should drink the product up to 3-4 times a day. This infusion is also used for osteoporosis and rheumatism.

5. Burdock recipe for hemorrhoids

   For hemorrhoids, use an infusion prepared from 100 grams of finely chopped burdock roots, steamed with one liter of boiling water. The product is drunk 3-4 times a day, 4 tablespoons.

6. For arthritis

   At pain symptoms arthritis use gauze applications soaked in a solution of burdock. Pour 30 grams of plant flowers into one glass of boiling water, infuse and moisten napkins intended for applications. You can also add such a raster when taking a bath.

7. For frostbite

   For frostbite, use an ointment prepared from 30 grams of plant leaves, which are boiled for about 30 minutes and then mixed with 100 grams of butter.

8. Hair recipe

   Good action burdock also has an effect on dry brittle hair. To prepare a mask for weakened hair, you will need an yolk and one tablespoon of vegetable, or another of your choice cosmetic oil. 4 tablespoons of kefir are added to the mixture. The mask can not only revitalize your hair, but also accelerate its growth. Cosmetologists have long been successfully using the properties of the plant to prevent early baldness in both men and women.

9. Facial toner

   The plant will also take care of your facial skin. Leaf juice diluted in a 1:1 ratio can be used as a tonic. They can be used to wipe skin prone to increased sebum secretion.

In our regions, burdock leaves are added to salads in the spring, when they are most tender.

Contraindications to the use of Burdock

Burdock should not be used for:

1. Individual intolerance. Having strong medicinal properties, infusions and ointments using the plant can provoke severe allergic reactions.
2. Should be used with caution by women during pregnancy.
3. Burdock is quite common and easily grows almost everywhere. It should be remembered that raw materials collected in contaminated areas are not capable of providing a sufficient therapeutic effect.
4. You should not use the plant for a long period, it will cause positive result, but the exact opposite will affect the body in the form of a decrease in performance and a decrease in overall tone.
5. Treatment with burdock is also contraindicated for intestinal colic.
6. It is not recommended to use burdock-based preparations for children under 12 years of age.
7. Excessive, unjustified use of burdock infusions can also cause negative reactions in organism.

Burdock can grow taller than a person.

Burdock leaves are fed to domestic animals, and birds eat the seeds with pleasure. Gardeners make a starter from the leaves and then spray them to kill garden pests.

It was the ability of burdock flowers to release a claw and be caught by it that prompted an innovator named Georges de Mestral (an engineer from Switzerland) to create the Velcro fastener. Also interesting fact that when it rains, these claws on the caps of the plant straighten.

In the old days, burdock was attributed magical properties and wore burdock root as a necklace, believing that it relieved the influence of dark forces. And in houses they hung the roots of the plant above the entrance, believing that they protected the house from visiting people with bad thoughts.

In cooking, burdock roots replace carrots.

You can prepare burdock yourself or buy ready-made preparations in pharmacies.