Burdock (mores in tagalog)

(Arctium lappa) Part used: Root (especially), seeds and leaves. Properties: Root Alternative, diaphoretic, diuretic, demulcent. Seeds: Alternative, diuretic. Leaves: Tonic.

Preparation and amount: Infusion ( leaves): Take 1 cup 3-4 times daily. Decoction (root or seeds): 1 oz. root to 1½  pints water, boiled down to 1 pint. Take 3 oz. 3-4 times daily. Tincture: Take 30-60 drops 3-4 times daily. Fluid extract: Take 10-20 #0 capsules (60-120 grains) daily. Powder (leaves): Take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3 times daily.

Purposes: Internally, burdock is used to promote kidney function and works through the kidneys to help clear the blood of harmful acids. It is one of the best blood purifiers for chronic infection, rheumatism, arthritis, skin diseases and sciatica.

• Burdock is used for skin disorder, such as carbuncles and boils, relieves gout and menopausal problems. It aids elimination of excess fluid, uric acid and toxins; and it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It acts as an antioxidant and may help protect against cancer, by helping control cell mutation.

• The diaphoretic property of burdock is due to a volatile oil which, taken internally, is eliminated from the sweat glands, thus removing toxic waste. Sweating has a cooling effect on the body. So it is used to reduce fevers and heat conditions such as boils, sties, carbuncles, canker sores and infections. For this purposes, use 1/2 cup of the decoction 3 times daily. An infusion of the leaves is used as a stomach tonic and for indigestion.

• Burdock contains 27%-45 inulin, the source of most of its curative ability. Inulin is a form of starch. Burdock also has an abundance of iron, which makes it of special value for the blood. It is also a blood purifier. That is why it is so helpful in treating arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica and lumbago. When the seeds are made into a tincture or extract, they are good for skin and kidney diseases. It is excellent for all skin diseases, taken alone or with other blood purifiers, such as sarsaparilla. Take it internally for acne, boils, chicken pox, eczema, psoriasis. Make a decoction of the root, using 1 oz. to 1/2 pints of water, and simmer until the volume is reduced to 1 pint. Take 1/2 cup 3 times daily. For sweating, simmer in covered pan for 10 minutes; then drink 1 cup of the tea before taking a hot bath.

Externally, take it for boils, eczema, itching, poison ivy and poison oak.

Warning: May interfere with iron absorption, when taken internally.