Personal Experiences with Burdock.

Currently, my personal experience with this herb is limited. However, for the Level 1100 - Formula & Herbal Preparation assignment I created a formula using Burdock root, for the relief of Psoriasis. It was important to me to create something that I could use on myself, as I have a slight psoriatic condition on my scalp, brought on by stress. I am in the process of using my herb blend as a hair rinse/scalp treatment to alleviate this condition. Interestingly, though, my daughter’s friend had an allergic reaction to something metal that she had placed against her skin. The result was an unpleasant rash that was very itchy. My daughter gave her friend a jar of the salve I had made, and our neighbor girl was immediately relieved of the itching and within a day or two the sores from the rash had healed. They especially like the scent of the salve as it contains Sweet Orange oil.

I currently live in a location where Burdock is abundant, and I intend to lessen my neighbor’s headache with this plant by harvesting some of the roots, leaves, and burrs to use myself. I will admit, however, that I initially confused Arrow-Leaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata - also of the Asteraceae:Sunflower family) with Burdock, when the Balsamroot began to grow this spring. They both have a soft gray down on the leaves, and both have the veined, heart-shaped leaf to them. Balsamroot, however, has a beautiful yellow flower, and is in bloom early to mid-April. Looking around my area I have noticed the real Burdock is just now bearing leaves. This was a good lesson to me in misidentification of plants and herbs, and how much more careful I need to be in properly identifying those herbs and plants I intend to harvest for use.

Not all bodies respond the same to any herb (or medication), and “listening” to your body will aid you in determining whether or not a reaction is occurring, or how much you should use. Professor Cayenne stated in a lecture recorded for the School of Natural Healing that he believed there are no allergies, just really messed up immune systems. If we can clean the blood stream and feed the body those things that will promote health and healing, and stay away from refined, processed foods, we will enjoy a rejuvenation and experience vitality that would be envied by others. Start by clearing the elimination pathways, and cleaning up the bloodstream. You can start by have a nice cup of Burdock infusion.