Burdock, otherwise known as burdock (Arctium in Latin), is a biennial plant of the Compositae family with large fleshy leaves. It grows almost everywhere, and sometimes people treat it too dismissively, considering it a useless weed. This is a completely wrong point of view. Burdock, which is used both in medicine and in cosmetology, is a very valuable drug, useful in solving a number of problems. In addition, it is just a beautiful plant that is of interest to botanists and flora lovers. I must say that in Europe they learned about it only in the 19th century, when the Russian troops who pursued Napoleon brought burdock.
Remembering burdock, its healing properties and its use, first of all it is worth noting that the decoction of the roots of this plant contains valuable inulin, as well as essential oil, organic acids and a number of other usefulsubstances. The decoction is used as a diaphoretic and diuretic. An infusion of olive or almond oil (burdock oil) is an indispensable tool in strengthening and healing hair. In addition, pastes and the same decoctions of burdock roots are used in the treatment of gout, rheumatism and skin problems. As a medicinal raw material, the leaves of the plant and its roots are collected in the first year of life.
Burdock, the use of which is very wide and varied, contains various useful substances in its different parts. The roots contain essential oils, glycosides, tannins, proteins and mineral s alts, as well as organic acids, resins, vitamins and inulin. The leaves are also famous for ascorbic acid.
In addition to diuretic and diaphoretic, this plant has analgesic, anti-allergic, choleretic, antiseptic, antimicrobial and disinfectant effects. It also affects the functions of the pancreas, the composition of the blood, removes urea, improves the general condition of the skin and, in particular, helps fight itching.
Burdock, the use of which in medicine has been firmly established for a very long time, is part of medicines for gout, colds, inflammation of the kidneys, remedies used for stomach and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, urolithiasis and cholelithiasis. A good effect is also achieved in the treatment of seborrhea, eczema, dermatitis and acne, as well as in the healing of wounds, cuts, burns.
Burdock root tincture, the use of whichis quite common, can be made at home. To do this, the raw materials need to be crushed, poured with hot water, insisted for two hours, then strained and consumed (half a glass three times a day). By the way, the leaves of this plant are used for headaches. They are also very effective for bursitis (they are applied, for example, to the elbow, a plastic bag is placed on top, a layer of insulating material, say, foam rubber, then the elbow is wrapped with an elastic bandage). Burdock, the use of which is widely known in cosmetology, ideal for strengthening hair. To do this, you need to make oil from it. A fresh root is taken, cut and poured with any vegetable oil. All this is infused for a day, and then simmered for fifteen minutes. Now you need to strain, cool and apply in masks, mixtures or in pure form. Thus, burdock, the use of which is very wide, for all its simplicity, is a truly indispensable plant.
