Burdock (arcticum lappa)

Other names: Granny's Wrath, Bitter Lupin, Burdock, Arcticum Majus

Burdock, also known as Indian Wrath, Bitter Lupin, Burdock or Arcticum Majus, is a medicinal plant native to northern Europe and Asia. This biennial plant is also found in North America, where it was introduced as a non-native species. The dark green leaves of burdock are large and heart-shaped, often measuring up to a metre across. During the second year, the plant forms a tall stem with purple flowers that later ripen into the typical hard, grey, hook-shaped nuts. Burdock is popular for its medicinal properties, especially for the treatment of skin diseases and digestive disorders.

Burdock is mainly used in natural medicine, but also in the cosmetics industry. Its root contains many useful substances such as inulin, tannins, vitamins and minerals and is thus often used as a medicinal tea or tincture in the treatment of eczema, acne, psoriasis or scaly lichen. Burdock root tinctures are also used as a diuretic and detoxifying agent. In the cosmetic industry, extracts of burdock are added to hair care products, especially shampoos and conditioners for oily hair and anti-dandruff products. In phytotherapy, burdock is used for blood purification and its leaves can be eaten as a vegetable. It is also a component of certain types of beverages, such as the increasingly popular fermented drink kvass.