Burdock Root / Yellow Dock Root

Burdock is also known by the names Bardane, Clotburr, Beggars' Buttons, Gypsy Rhubarb, Gobo and Burr. 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 name "Arctium" is derived from the Greek, arktos, meaning "bear"' in reference to the herb's plant's shaggy burrs. "Beurre" is the French word, meaning "butter," and this evolved 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. The Swiss inventor, George de Mestral, who invented VelcroT, was inspired by the Burdock burrs that covered his dog: When he observed the burrs under a magnifying glass, he saw the tiny curved hooks. In Hawaii, the roots of this herb are sometimes given as a "gag" wedding gift because of their aphrodisiac powers. Medicinally, Burdock Root has been used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis, as well as to treat painful joints and 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. Burdock is considered a mild laxative. It also aids in the elimination of uric acid. The herb contains poly-acetylenes that have both antibacterial and antifungal properties. 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. This 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 is also said to have the ability to mildly lower blood sugar levels (hypoglycemic effect).

Yellow Dock, a member of the buckwheat family, grows abundantly throughout the United States. The part of this plant used medicinally is the root. Rumex is an old Latin word, meaning "lance," referring to the shape of the leaves. Crispus means "curly," also in reference to the leaf shape. Yellow Dock has been used for hundreds of years for its astringent properties, treating a variety of skin problems, including boils, rashes, blemishes and burns. The Native Americans used this herb for its special health benefits, and legend has it they endeavored to keep it secret from the European settlers. Pioneers also used it for nutritional support for the urinary system. The properties of this herb are alterative, depurative, laxative, purgative, cholagogue and astringent. The primary chemical constituents of Yellow Dock Root include anthraquinone glycosides, tannins, resins, oxalates and iron. It also contains varying amounts of phosphorus, vitamins A and C and calcium. Yellow Dock is valued even more so today as one of the best available sources of iron. Its rich iron content makes it beneficial for treating anemia and pregnant women. Yellow Dock is used to purify the blood supplied to the glands, improving the flow of bile and digestive fluids. Yellow Dock has also been known to help improve bladder and liver functions, as well as reduce bowel inflammation and glandular swelling. This herb can be used to treat some cases of jaundice and skin eruptions associated with the toxicity of the intestines. Another use for Yellow Dock is as a laxative to help relieve mild constipation. Yellow Dock improves the function of the kidneys, liver, lymph glands and intestines, thus aiding the body's natural cleansing processes. It has been used to help the body eliminate pollutants, including heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. You can even cook and eat Yellow Dock as a potherb to improve vision. Yellow Dock helps to free up iron stored in the liver, thus making it more available to the rest of the body.