Burdock or Lappa is a relative of the sunflower, and grows to a height of 5 feet. It has reddish-purple flower heads covered with spiny bracts. The seeds and the roots of a 2-year old plant are harvested in the summer and are used for medicinal purposes.
Benefits
Researchers found this plant to possess powerful antioxidant properties capable of scavenging superoxide radicals and neutralizing effects against hydroxyl radicals. It was reported to destroy more free radicals when used in combination with Vitamin E.
It purifies the blood, which helps clear congestion in respiratory, urinary, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. It helps eliminate excess fluids in the body and stimulates the elimination of toxic waste build-up, which improves digestion and relieves liver disorder.It cleanses the body of bile and detoxifies the kidneys and gallbladder. It increases perspiration, which also reduces toxins.
Experts in herbal medicine believe it has the ability to fight cancer, detoxify the liver, and control blood sugar levels. In Chinese medicine, lappa is combined with other herbs to treat tonsillitis, sore throat, measles, and colds.
Arthritis, Gout, and Sciatica
Persistent use of tea made from lappa roots or seeds, may help ease the symptoms of arthritis, gout, and sciatica by aiding to rid the body of calcified deposits and reducing the swelling around the joints.
Boils, Dandruff, Eczema, and Hair Loss
Japan and European herbalists have long used the seeds and root for chronic skin disorders, especially eczema. The root is believed to help prevent the immune system within the body from attacking the skin. The seeds are used by Japanese herbalist to treat skin infection caused by streptococcus and fungi.
In Europe, the root oil extract is used as a scalp and hair treatment; applied to improve hair strength, shine, and body; to fight hair loss and to ease dandruff and scalp itching. Modern studies indicate the root oil extract has the nutrients needed for natural hair growth and healthy scalp.
Cancer
Researchers discovered a substance in lappa root that has the ability to reduce cell mutation. Japanese researchers named this new discovery the B-factor. It is one of the 4 potent herbs that are included in Essiac tea, a popular alternative cancer treatment.
Laboratory studies with animals show that the fiber, arctiin in burdock may slow or stop the breast cancer in the early stages. This same fiber may have matching benefits against colorectal and pancreatic cancers.
Diabetes
Lappa offers important nutritional benefits for diabetics. Its extract has shown prolonged blood-sugar-lowering effects in animal tests. Lappa also works by filling the intestine with fibers, which helps to prevent the absorption of sugar and toxic substances from food. It contains chromium, which is also known to help regulate blood-sugar levels.
Liver Diseases
Burdock is believed to heal a damaged liver and protect it from further damage. In as little as 2 weeks, symptoms from liver damage can improve.
Helpful Tips
Look for burdock-seed cereals, available as gobo or goboshi in Japanese groceries, and for burdock oil or tincture in health food stores. It is also available as tea. It is sometimes labeled as 'cut and sifted burdock root' or by its Latin name Arctium Lappa.Traditional herbalists recommend 2-4 milliliters of root tincture per day or 1-2 grams 3 times a day in capsule form. They believe that the use of lappa at these levels is normally safe. However, taking large amounts may stimulate the uterus and should be approved by a health care provider before using the supplement.
