Burdock Root 4:1

History and Uses:
In traditional herbal texts, Burdock Root is described as a "blood purifier" or "alterative," and was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. The genus, Arctium, is said to be derived from the Greek word, arktos, meaning "bear,"' in reference to the shaggy burrs, and the English, Burdock, may come to us from the French, beurre, which means "butter," because French women would wrap their cakes of butter in leaves of Burdock to transport it to the marketplace. During the Industrial Revolution, Burdock was used as a medicine to help people cope with the increasing environmental pollution. Burdock has inspired many uses: When the Swiss inventor, George de Mestral, saw Burdock burrs covering his dog, he decided to observe them under a magnifying glass, and when he noted their tiny curved hooks, he was inspired to invent VelcroT. In Hawaii, the roots of this herb are sometimes given as a "gag" wedding gift because of their supposed aphrodisiac powers. Medicinally, Burdock Root has been used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis, as well as to treat painful joints. Burdock is said to act as a mild laxative and also as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese medicine, Burdock Root, in combination with other herbs, is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds and even measles. It is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and elsewhere. The herb contains polyacetylenes that have both antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also said to aid in the elimination of uric acid, and by improving the function of many organs of elimination (liver, kidneys, bowels), many health conditions can be improved. Burdock Root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage, which may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of Burdock to improve digestion. The polyacetylene constituents have also been shown to have antimicrobial activity. Burdock Root (and the fruit) are thought to have a hypoglycemic effect that may have the ability to mildly lower blood sugar.