*NAME: Burdock (Arctium lappa)

*FORM: Root
  As fresh, freeze-dried capsules

*USES: A purification tonic.

*INFORMATION: Burdock, or Arctium lappa, is a member of the Asteraceae, or Sunflower family. The plant originated in Eurasia, but has been adopted and used by Native Americans for centuries. Many people now consider it an intrusive weed. The plant is a biennial, forming a rosette of large leaves in the first year, then developing a tall flower stalk with thistle-like flowers in the second year. The deep taproots are harvested at the end of the first growing season.

The root of Burdock has many traditional uses among the Cherokee, Maliseet, Menominee, Micmac, and Chippewa Indians. Common uses included a topical application of the crushed roots for skin care. The Potawatomi prefer to make a tea of the root to use as a general tonic and blood purifier.* The Plains Tribes also adopted burdock for ceremonial uses.

Among the tribes of the Iroquois confederacy, Burdock is called "kanëhtuwánës", meaning "big leaves". The plant is used both ceremoniously and as a traditional medicine and food. The roots are dried in the autumn and added to winter soups. This use parallels the Asian preference for using Burdock root cooked as a fresh vegetable in stir-fried dishes. The young leaves are also enjoyed as a green in the early spring.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.