Hallelujah Herbs! Indoor Herb Gardening

Incredible liver and kidney soother

Actually, the leaves and tender, young stems are edible, too. Roots can be eaten raw or cooked. Leaves and stems are usually cooked like spinach.

Burdock has been used in a wide variety of herbal medicines. The most common is treatment of skin and scalp problems, including combating hair loss and dandruff control. Burdock has also been used as liver treatment, to stimulate the digestive system, colds and sore throats, and even for treatment of leprosy.

In medieval times a girl would pick a bur from burdock, give it her lover's name and throw it against her dress. If it stuck he was faithful, if not, he was untrue.

Culture

Seed Germination      4 to 7 days. Make sure it is not too close to a window if the nights are under 40F.
Seed Spacing              Push the seeds just below the surface at a depth not over two millimeters.

Plant Spacing             10 cm between plants.

Soil Requirements       The best soil for this plant is well-drained and rich.

Sun & Lighting            Burdock likes full sun, but will tolerate partial shade.

Water Requirements   Average water needs but keep soil moist.

Uses

Burdock is one of the principal detoxifying herbs in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine. It is an excellent blood purifier and will help cleanse the body of waste products, including heavy metals and uric acid.

Burdock's antibiotic, anti-fungal and demulcent qualities have proven valuable in the treatment of skin disorders, especially when toxicity is a factor. Taken internally and applied topically, it has been used to successfully medicate acne, boils, eczema and psoriasis.

Burdock is easily obtainable as an ingredient in teas, ointments, or pills. It is a powerful diuretic, and is safe to be taken internally, externally, or as food.


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