Burdock

(C) Niu bang

Part Used: root and seeds

Energetics: bitter, pungent and astringent (root also sweet)/cooling/pungent PK- V+ (in excess)

Tissues: plasma, blood

Systems: respiratory, urinary, circulatory, lymphatic

Actions: alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic, antipyretic

Indications: inflammatory skin conditions, rashes, cold with fever and sore throat, toxins in the blood, lymphatic clogging, nephritis, edema, kidney inflammation, hypertension

Precautions: anemia, chronic chills, high Vata

Preparation: infusion (cold or hot), decoction (root), powder (250 mg to 1 g), paste

BURDOCK has a strong action in cleansing the blood and the lymphatics. It clears congestion, reduces swelling and dispels toxins (either from the skin or through diuresis). Burdock seeds have a strong diuretic and detoxifying action and help relieve cough. Burdock root has more nutritive properties and is less likely to increase Vata. It can be considered a tonic and rejuvenative for Pitta for use on a regular basis. It is good for helping clear high Pittogenic emotions like anger, aggression and ambition.

Burdock can be used in most Ama conditions, including toxic fever (Ama jvara) and arthritis (Ama Vata). Burdock root works well with yellow dock. Burdock seeds can be used with coriander seeds. As a tonic for Pitta, burdock root can be combined with bhringaraj, in proportions of 2 to 1, respectively.