Burdock root: medicinal properties and contraindications

Burdock is one of the most common plants; it can be found in wastelands, along roads, and sometimes in a summer cottage, if the territory is not well looked after. It is widely used in official medicine and in folk medicine. Basically, burdock root is used as a medicinal raw material, leaves are much less common, since they contain less useful substances.

What does the plant look like

There are several types of burdock, but the differences between them are insignificant. Most often, large burdock is found - a grassy biennial, which can reach a height of 0.6–1.8 m. The most notable part of it is the fairly powerful root system of the rod type. The root of this plant is large, and even thick, and in length it can reach 60 cm.

The stem of the burdock is straight and ribbed; in the upper part it branches strongly. In the first year, only leaves are formed on it, forming a basal rosette. In the second year, burdock should already have straight stems and ordinary leaves - large, with smooth edges, dark green on top and grayish-felt on the outside.

Burdock blooms with purple-violet flowers collected in spherical baskets. In diameter, they reach 30–40 mm, not more. This happens in July-August. And in late summer and early autumn, fruits appear that are brown achenes.

Many people know the second type of plant - felt burdock. In the people it is more often called a burdock. It is also a biennial and has a long and fleshy root. The leaves are large, but in general they are smaller than the large burdock described above. And flowers of a burdock, which have the ability to cling to clothes in small thorns, know everything.

Where grows

This plant is widespread throughout Eurasia in temperate zones. It is found in Scandinavia, and in Britain, and in the Mediterranean. Moreover, it came to Europe from Russia, where it is distributed throughout the territory, up to Siberia, the Middle and Far East. Burdock is found in Japan, and in China, and even in India. Relatively recently (by biological standards), burdock was introduced both on the North American continent and in Latin America.

Moreover, under natural conditions, burdock can grow in the forest and among clusters of shrubs, but prefers places closer to human habitation. Moreover, it often grows in littered or abandoned areas where the soil is rich in nitrogen.

Collection and storage

As medicinal raw materials, only the roots of burdock of the first year of life can be used. In the "second year" the root becomes woody, and it already contains practically no useful substances. You can distinguish “first year” by the absence of a peduncle.

The roots should be dug up in September-October, at which time they contain the largest amount of nutrients. The roots are taken out carefully so as not to damage, digging the outlet to a sufficiently large depth and taking into account a considerable length. First, the dug root is allowed to dry, then the remaining soil is cleaned from it.Some herbalists believe that it is impossible to wash the root, since along with water, useful substances will also drain from the surface. But most modern phytotherapists believe that the root should still be washed with running water, dried, cut off at the root neck that part of the plant that sticks out above the ground, and only after that proceed with the drying process.

Since the roots of the plant are large, they are cut into pieces 5-10 cm long. And thick roots should also be divided in half lengthwise.

Dry the plant in the fresh air or indoors, provided that it is well ventilated. With high humidity, it is better to dry the roots in dryers that are used for fruits and vegetables, choosing a gentle temperature range of 45-50 degrees.

Dried roots are stored in paper bags or linen bags in a dark and dry place. Shelf life is 3 years. Some herbalists recommend storing raw materials in the form of a powder, preliminarily grinding it with a coffee grinder.

Is it possible to freeze
Burdock root can be frozen. It does not lose healing properties. The roots are washed, sorted, dried, cut into pieces and placed in the freezer in special bags or plastic containers.

Chemical composition

Burdock root is used as a medicinal raw material. But it has nutritional value. Modern industry is considering the use of mashed potato from burdock roots as a raw material for the production of dietary products, including dairy. And in antiquity, baked plant roots were used as food.

All the beneficial properties of burdock root are due to its chemical composition. Not all substances included in it have been studied to the end, however, today scientists believe that burdock is a storehouse of useful elements. The root composition includes:

1. The polysaccharide inulin (and its content is up to 45%). This substance is a prebiotic (thanks to it, the beneficial microflora is restored and the digestive process is being established), it is actively involved in the metabolism. Thanks to inulin, vitamins and minerals are better absorbed, toxins are eliminated, carbohydrate metabolism is established, therefore, blood sugar level decreases. This substance helps strengthen the immune system.
2. Bardan essential oil.
3. Fatty acids (e.g. stearic and palmitic).
4. Glycosides, which are necessary for normal digestion and cardiac activity.
5. Tannins.
6. Sitosterol and stigmasterol are phytosterols, that is, substances that have the properties of hormones and are able to replace the artificial hormones that are used today (but without their side effects).
7. Organic acids (including coffee, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties).
8. A large amount of protein (up to 12%), which makes burdock root a valuable food raw material, especially since it resembles parsnip or parsley to taste.
9. Ascorbic acid, which significantly improves the condition of blood vessels and is an antioxidant.
10. B vitamins that normalize the functioning of the nervous system and are involved in metabolic processes.
11. Mineral salts, including calcium and potassium, without which the work of the heart muscle is impossible.

This composition has the root of all types of burdocks. The difference lies mainly in the proportions and the specific mass expression, but it is not too significant. In medicine, burdock is the most common. This is due to the fact that it is more common in nature, in addition, its root has a larger size.

From the above data it is seen that the most important components in the burdock are fiber and dietary fiber, as well as proteins. Interestingly, many of the minerals are not contained in the core, but in the skin of the root. Therefore, when preparing medicines based on this raw material, it is not recommended to clean it.

The healing properties of burdock root

Burdock root has a wide range of medicinal properties. In particular, he:

1. Provides rapid tissue regeneration, which allows you to use it as a wound healing agent.
2. It has the ability to lower blood sugar.
3. Relieves inflammation.
4. Contributes to the normal production of pancreatic enzymes.
5. Acts as a mild laxative.
6. It has an antiseptic and bactericidal effect.
7. It has a choleretic effect and helps to normalize liver function.
8. Normalizes digestive processes.
9. It has a diuretic effect, which allows it to be used for kidney diseases, as well as to eliminate swelling in other pathologies.
10. Accelerates metabolic processes.
11. Relieves itching in allergic reactions.
12. Improves skin and hair condition.
13. It has antipyretic properties, due to which it is used in the treatment of colds (especially since the burdock root also has a pronounced diaphoretic effect, and this is important with viruses, since it allows you to quickly remove toxins).

It is clear that burdock root is inferior to modern antibiotics in its antibacterial action, and its analgesic effect will be weaker than that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Therefore, with serious bacterial infections, it does not replace antibiotics, but is used as a means for complex therapy.

For women

For women, this tool will be useful for several reasons at once. Firstly, its anti-inflammatory properties help fight various diseases of the pelvic organs. Secondly, a high content of phytosterols treats PMS, mastopathy, and improves menopause. And thirdly, the antioxidant properties of burdock can be used to combat wrinkles and improve skin condition.

For men

For the stronger sex, the anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root are of greatest importance, since they play a particularly important role in the treatment of prostatitis. However, a number of studies have shown that this plant contains components that can stop the growth of tissues characteristic of prostate adenoma, which is also very important. Finally, this plant eliminates constipation, from which men suffer more often than women.

Decoctions from burdock root and tea based on it also help to clean the vessels, which reduces the risk of cholesterol plaque formation and the development of coronary heart disease - another pathology that is more typical for men.

During pregnancy

Since there are currently no studies that would prove the safety of using burdock root during pregnancy, many doctors advise to refrain from using funds based on it. The root contains phytosterols that can affect the hormonal level of the expectant mother. However, this only applies to the use of burdock preparations inside. You can use its decoctions to rinse hair during pregnancy. This also applies to the lactation period, when ingestion is prohibited in order to avoid allergies.

For kids

For children under the age of two years, preparations based on burdock root are contraindicated. In the future, extracts and decoctions are given to preschoolers with cough, colds, allergies.

When losing weight

In dietetics, burdock root is used immediately for several reasons. Firstly, the presence of dietary fiber. They have the property to influence the metabolic processes, accelerating metabolism and improving the removal of toxins from the body. It is interesting that in the countries of the Pacific region, which are famous for the fact that obesity is rare for their inhabitants, burdock root is often added to various high-calorie foods that are high in fat. Long before conducting scientific research, the peoples of these countries knew that burdock root improves the absorption of such components. But modern science knows that this is due to inulin.

It is found in many plants, including Jerusalem artichoke. But burdock root for this indicator is a record holder.Inulin has a pleasant sweet taste and a neutral smell. Burdock root itself also does not have a pronounced aroma, so it can be used in a wide variety of diet dishes. Only 8-10 g of inulin per day is enough to normalize blood sugar, improve metabolism and stimulate the development of bifidobacteria. This means that you need to eat 25-30 g of burdock root. It can be consumed in stews or in salads, prepared on the basis of it according to the recipe below. Of course, the limitation of fat in this case will significantly increase the effectiveness of burdock for weight loss.

The root of this plant also has a diuretic effect, which allows you to remove excess fluid from the body. It also helps to reduce weight. To achieve this effect, you can drink a cup of tea from burdock root every day. It does not increase blood pressure and helps cleanse blood vessels, which is also good for health.

Burdock root in folk medicine

Burdock is used in traditional medicine not only in Russia, but also in many other countries - Bulgaria, China, Japan. It is considered a good remedy for stomatitis, gout, bronchial asthma and even gynecological diseases.

With diabetes

Burdock root contains substances that help normalize blood sugar. Therefore, a decoction of the roots of burdock is drunk with type 2 diabetes. Prepare it like that - take 4 tbsp. chopped and pre-dried roots and pour 300 ml of boiling water, and then insist for two hours, preferably in a thermos (or simply covering the container with a decoction of a warm blanket).

Drink the drug three times a day after the main meals of 100 ml (1/2 cup). Before use, the broth must be filtered.

With pancreatitis

This disease is an inflammation of the pancreas. In acute pancreatitis, you should immediately seek medical help, no decoctions should be drunk. But in case of a chronic disease, herbal medicine is quite acceptable (however, only after consulting a doctor).

With pancreatitis, take an infusion of burdock roots. Prepare it like that - take 1 tbsp. dried crushed raw materials, pour 2 cups of boiling water, and then insist for two hours. Then bring the product to a boil, keep on low heat for 15 minutes and drink a cooled and strained infusion instead of tea three times a day, 100-120 ml.

With gastritis

Anti-inflammatory properties of burdock will help with gastritis. In folk medicine, several recipes are popular. Firstly, you can drink the infusion of burdock root. To prepare it, take 1 tsp. crushed dry raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiled water (but not hot, but at room temperature), insist the remedy for 8 hours - it is best to leave it overnight. In the morning, infusion is filtered and taken in 70 ml (about a third of a glass) three times a day for half an hour before starting breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Some herbalists suggest preparing the infusion differently. Take 1 tsp. chopped dry root and pour 400 ml of boiling water. Insist remedy for 12 hours. The next day, the infusion is filtered and drunk 100 ml 4 times a day before meals.

Secondly, in acute gastritis, it is recommended to use young burdock roots (from a plant of the first year of life), and in raw form. Some herbalists recommend eating 4–5 of these roots. Moreover, they must be fresh. They are consumed only during the day after they were dug, then they lose their beneficial properties. The duration of the course of treatment is 2-3 weeks, then they must take a break.

Thirdly, you can take powder ground on a coffee grinder from dried burdock root, mix it in equal proportions with alcohol and honey and eat 1 tbsp. thrice daily before main meals.

For the intestines

In the treatment of peptic ulcer, the same recipes are used that were given above for gastritis.

For constipation

The dietary fiber contained in the root of burdock makes it an excellent remedy for constipation caused by disruption of the intestines. Therefore, to prevent constipation, it is recommended to add the root of the plant to the daily diet. You can also drink tea made according to the recipe below.

With gout

This disease is caused by impaired salt metabolism. Burdock cannot normalize it, but it will relieve the inflammation caused by it. So with this disease, it is used in complex therapy.

Prepare the tool as follows. Take 1 tbsp. dried raw materials and pour 0.6 l of freshly boiled water, and then insist in a thermos (or towel-wrapped pan) for two hours. After this, the product is passed through any filter (you can use gauze) and drink 40 ml at least three times a day 10-15 minutes before the main meals.

With colitis

Burdock leaves contain many components that make it effective against peptic ulcer and colitis. But they are also present in the burdock root, albeit in a slightly smaller amount. For treatment, take 1 tsp. dry root, pour 0.4 l of boiling water, insist overnight in a thermocup and drink 100 ml of infusion 4 times a day. The drink should be warm, as cold water will only exacerbate the symptoms.

For the liver

The ingredients contained in the burdock root make it not only gastro, but also a hepatoprotector - a tool useful for liver cells (and even for the hepatobiliary system as a whole, since it has a choleretic effect). In case of liver disease, take an infusion of burdock root. For its preparation take 4 tbsp. crushed dried raw materials in 2 cups of boiling water. This product is insisted overnight in an insulated container or thermo mug, then brought to a boil, cooled to an acceptable temperature (so that it is not too hot, but well warm) and filtered. The resulting infusion is drunk little by little during the day.

With hemorrhoids

With this disease, it is very important to establish the digestion process. This helps to make the prebiotic inulin, which is found in the root of burdock. In addition, glycosides have a mild laxative effect and contribute to the normal process of defecation, which is very important for hemorrhoids. This plant also has a painkiller effect - in the acute phase it helps to alleviate unpleasant symptoms. Also, burdock root relieves swelling, which reduces inflammation. Finally, it is useful for strengthening vessels.

In such cases, take inside a decoction of burdock root, prepared according to the recipe below. Also, the broth can be used for washing - the salicylic acid contained in it helps to heal wounds faster.

With cholecystitis

Since burdock root has a choleretic effect, it is considered a good remedy for stagnation of bile, provoked by this disease. But, in addition, it relieves inflammation, which is also very important in the treatment of cholecystitis. It is recommended in such cases to take a decoction of burdock root. Prepare it like that - take 2 tbsp. fresh or dried raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water and additionally heat not directly, but by placing the container in a large saucepan with water. This is done for another 20 minutes. Then the tool is insisted for another half hour, until it cools down, filtered and drunk, regardless of food intake, 1 tbsp. in the morning, at lunch and in the evening (but not at night).

With cystitis

This is an inflammatory disease of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Burdock relieves inflammation and eliminates pathogens. In addition, it has a diuretic effect, which allows you to quickly remove toxins and alleviates the condition. But they do not use it instead of an antibiotic, but in combination with medications prescribed by a doctor. It is recommended in this case to drink a decoction prepared according to the recipe below.

With prostatitis

The anti-inflammatory properties of burdock root allow it to be used as a remedy for prostatitis. To do this, prepare an infusion - 2 tbsp.cut into small pieces of fresh root in a glass of water at room temperature. The tool is insisted for two hours, brought to a boil, cooled, passed through a fine strainer and taken 100 ml three times a day. This recipe is also considered effective for prostate adenoma.

When coughing

An infusion of burdock root, prepared according to the recipe below, is considered an effective tool for gargling with sore throat and other diseases of the respiratory tract. This procedure can be repeated every two hours.

With bronchitis and other diseases accompanied by cough, they also use a decoction - 1 tsp. dried root in a glass of boiling water. Before use, the product is filtered. They drink it for 1 tablespoon. 3-4 times a day. The broth liquefies sputum and helps to quickly remove it from the respiratory system.

From allergies

As you know, allergies are an autoimmune disease. It is impossible to cure it, but it is possible to minimize the risk of a strong reaction, and burdock copes with this task perfectly. To do this, it is recommended to drink tea prepared according to the recipe described below. Also, a decoction from burdock root helps to remove the manifestations of a skin allergic reaction during diathesis.

For joints

With arthritis, rheumatism, inflammatory joint diseases, burdock root is useful in relieving swelling and fever, and also has a bactericidal effect (and infections caused by pathogenic microorganisms may well be the cause of arthritis). In addition, the plant has an anti-inflammatory effect.

With these diseases, you can take a decoction prepared in a water bath as described above. They also recommend making an oil extract, impregnating gauze with it and applying a compress to the problem joint.

With mastopathy

This disease is often caused by hormonal disorders. The phytosterols included in the burdock root will help normalize the situation. No wonder this plant is part of many finished products. However, before using it, you still need to pass tests and consult your doctor.

From mastopathy, a ready-made pharmacy extract of burdock root is taken, guided by the manufacturer's instructions. But it is better to cook the infusion yourself - for this they take 1 tablespoon. dried burdock root, brew a glass of freshly boiled water, leave to cool for half an hour, and then drink during the day.

In oncology

The effectiveness of burdock root against cancer has not been proven, but a number of researchers consider it a promising prophylactic. In folk medicine, a recipe is proposed for these purposes - 10 g of dried burdock root is crushed, 1 tsp is added. flower honey, pour a glass of vodka and insist for 10 days in a dark and dry place, periodically shaking the container with the drink. After this period, the tincture is considered ready for use. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to take daily 15 ml of the drug diluted in ½ glass of water.

From parasites

Burdock root allows you to get rid of worms. Take 1 tbsp. crushed burdock roots and fall asleep in a saucepan (enameled so that the metal does not react with plant materials), and then pour a glass of boiling water and heat the mixture for 10 minutes, but do not bring to a boil. Then remove the saucepan from the heat and wrap it with a terry towel or blanket so that the heat is not lost. Under such conditions, the agent is insisted for half an hour, then filtered. Broth drink 50 ml three times a day, regardless of food intake. Maximum efficiency can be achieved if you simultaneously wash yourself with this broth every day.

For heart

The substances contained in the root of burdock help to normalize the heart rhythm and improve heart function. For this, the dried young burdock root is ground in a coffee grinder to a powder state. Then take 1 tsp. of this raw material and pour a glass of boiling water or hot milk. The tool is cooled, it is no longer necessary to filter. Consume 1 tsp. three times a day before meals. Apply such an infusion course, for 10-14 days, then take a break for a week.To achieve the desired effect, repeat the course 2-3 times. Among other things, burdock root helps lower the level of "bad" cholesterol, which is often the cause of cardiovascular disease.

With dysbiosis

Dietary fiber, which is part of burdock root, are prebiotics. That is, they create favorable conditions for the development of beneficial microflora, the absence of which provokes dysbiosis. Therefore, it is very useful to include young burdock roots in your diet, especially in raw or boiled form.

But you can cook from them only in the fall, and when dried as a dietary supplement, they are no longer so useful. Therefore, the rest of the time, a decoction of the roots of burdock and dandelion is used to treat dysbiosis. Take these ingredients in equal proportions, mix, grind into powder, 1 tbsp are selected. raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water, once again bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. This remedy is drunk instead of tea in the morning or in the evening (only you need to consider that it has a diuretic effect).

With vascular diseases

Burdock root is considered an excellent tool for the prevention and treatment of thrombophlebitis. But in such cases, its oil extract is used. Prepare it as follows. Take 40 g of freshly dug roots and insist during the day in ½ cup vegetable oil (sunflower or olive). Then the obtained product is heated for 15 minutes over low heat, filtered and the problem area is lubricated with the finished extract. They also make compresses - they take a gauze napkin, soak it with extract and apply it overnight to a sore spot, fixing it with a bandage.

Types of healing compounds

An alcohol tincture, an oil and water extract, and a decoction are made from burdock root. There are many similar recipes, the most effective of them will be given below.

Infusion

Water infusion is prepared very simply - take 10–25 g of crushed dried roots (depending on how strong the concentration they want to get), pour 2 cups of boiling water and insist for an hour in a thermos. This remedy helps with gastritis, jade, some other pathologies of the kidneys, cholecystitis and even stomach and intestinal ulcers. In such situations, it is drunk in 100 ml no more than 3-4 times a day after main meals. The duration of the course of treatment is 20-50 days.

In this case, the infusion is also used as an external agent. It relieves skin inflammation with exudative diathesis, heals wounds, disinfects problem areas with furunculosis. In this case, they lubricate the affected skin or soak compresses.

Tincture

In pharmacies you can find a ready-made alcoholic extract of this plant, and at home prepare tincture. To do this, use either freshly squeezed juice of the just dug out root, fresh or dry raw materials, which are previously crushed. The second option is considered more convenient. Burdock root and alcohol solution are taken in a ratio of 1: 5. In this case, the crushed fresh root is poured with vodka or a 40% alcohol solution and the container with this agent is placed in a dark, cool place. He is kept there for two weeks, periodically shaking, then filtered.

If a dry root is taken, then the concentration of medicinal substances in it is already higher. Here the proportion will be this - 20 g of raw materials per glass of vodka or alcohol solution. The cooking algorithm will be the same. To improve the taste, honey is added to the tincture.

Decoction

A decoction of burdock root can be prepared in two ways. In the first embodiment, take 15–20 g of dried root, chop, pour a glass of water, boil and then additionally boil on low heat for another 20 minutes. Then the product is cooled for half an hour, filtered and taken 1 tbsp.three times a day after meals. This is an excellent remedy not only for cholecystitis, but also for gout, diseases of the musculoskeletal system (like osteochondrosis), cystitis.

In the second embodiment, take 100 g of crushed fresh raw materials, pour 1 liter of cold water, bring to a boil and keep on fire so that about half of the original volume has time to evaporate. This product is filtered, honey is added to taste and consumed in diseases such as rheumatism and gout. Some herbalists recommend it with exudative diathesis. But then honey should not be added, since it contributes to the sensitization of the body and exacerbates the situation.

Tea

In fact, it is a kind of herbal tea. To prepare it, take 1 tsp. dried root, brew a glass of boiling water and insist for 15 minutes. The concentration of medicinal ingredients in such a drink is low. But it is considered a good prophylactic for colds.

Ointment

This tool is prepared as follows - take 25 g of burdock roots and the same amount of its leaves, chop, pour a glass of water, bring to a boil, then keep on low heat for another 20 minutes. Then both the plant material itself and the liquid are triturated with 100 g of unsalted butter or other oily base. This tool heals wounds well, they treat ulcers, burns and even frostbitten skin.

Butter

Contrary to the name itself, this is not about essential and fatty oils obtained from the root, but about its oil extract. To do this, take 75 g of fresh raw materials, pour a glass of any refined vegetable oil and leave for a day. After that, the product is boiled for 15 minutes and filtered. It is used mainly as an external agent, including in cosmetology.

Application in cosmetology

The beneficial substances contained in the root of burdock allow it to be used in cosmetology, moreover, it will be useful for both skin and hair.

Burdock root for skin

There are many effective recipes for home cosmetology. For example:

1. Toner for oily skin with expanded pores. To prepare it, take 10-20 g of fresh burdock root, pour a glass of boiling water, insist for 20 minutes, then filter. This tonic wipe the skin after washing. It is also used for lotions - they impregnate a gauze napkin, which is applied to the skin for 10-15 minutes - it turns out to be an effective analogue of fabric masks popular today.
2. Oily skin lotion. For its preparation take 2 tbsp. crushed dried raw materials, pour a glass of boiling water and leave over low heat for 10 minutes. The product is cooled to room temperature and filtered. Then take 1 tbsp. the resulting infusion per 100 ml of vodka or alcohol lotion. This tool is wiped on the skin of the face twice a day instead of washing with the usual gels. The duration of the course is 2 weeks, otherwise there is a risk of overdrying the skin.
3. A mask for problematic skin prone to inflammation and acne. As a rule, burdock leaves are used for this, which are simply applied to the inflamed areas. But you can make pulp from steamed powder obtained from burdock root and use it as a mask.

You can also prepare acne ointment. It is effective when separate pustules form. Prepare it like that - take 1 tbsp. dry root into a glass of water, bring to a boil and then simply keep on low heat until half the liquid evaporates from there. After that, add unsalted ghee (4 parts per 1 part of the liquid) to this and mix thoroughly. The resulting ointment is applied to problem areas of the skin.

Burdock Root for Hair Health

In the old days, decoction of burdock root was considered the best remedy for hair loss.This property is also proved by modern cosmetology - it is not for nothing that burdock root extract is added to many shampoos, balms and masks. This plant also helps combat problems such as brittle and dry hair.

Basically, the broth is used to rinse after washing. For dry and normal hair there are no restrictions for such a procedure, it can be used even daily, although in order to achieve the desired effect, it is enough to do this twice a week. It is only important to carry out such a procedure with a course of at least a month, then take a break.
For oily hair there are restrictions - you can use the broth no more than once a week.

The burdock root is brewed as follows - they take dried raw materials, grind (but not to the state of the powder), take 2 tbsp. such pieces of root and pour 0.5 liters of hot water. The product is brought to a boil, then left on low heat for another 15 minutes. Then they are removed from the stove, cooled and filtered.

The broth prepared according to this recipe can be used in another way - instead of an elixir or tonic. For this, the product is rubbed daily into the scalp with massage movements. It’s best to do this overnight so that you don’t rinse off later. Here the treatment regimen will be different - a massage is done daily for a week, and a break is arranged next week. Treatment is continued until there is a noticeable improvement.

Oil extract will help cure seborrhea. In addition, it is known as burdock oil, which improves hair condition. To prepare it, take 100 g of chopped fresh root and pour in a glass of refined olive or sunflower oil. The tool is insisted for a day, then boiled, and after cooling, rubbed into the scalp 2-3 times a week. The product is left for half an hour, then washed thoroughly. In order to awaken the hair follicles, a little red hot pepper (ground) is added to it.

The use of burdock root in cooking

In cooking, the roots of burdock-first-year are also used. In some countries (for example, Japan) burdock is even specially cultivated specifically for culinary purposes. So, the roots, ground to a powder, are added to the flour from which bread is baked.

Burdock roots can be boiled, baked, fried. They are added to salads fresh. They also make mashed potatoes and marmalade with a sweet and sour taste. In many dishes, burdock roots can replace potatoes. They even make cakes and meatballs. And roasted roots replace chicory and serve as a substitute for coffee.

Some dishes will help diversify the autumn menu (after all, they dig up roots in September):

1. Vegetable stew. Take 1 large burdock root, boil for 10 minutes. Peel the carrots and onions, chop and fry in vegetable oil until half cooked, and then add chopped bell peppers. Burdock root is also cut into strips, mixed with other vegetables, salt, pepper and herbs are added to taste and brought to a boil in a saucepan with a thick bottom. Stew is served as a side dish for meat and fish dishes.
2. Jam. For 1 kg of burdock roots, 1 liter of water and 50 ml of vinegar essence are taken. No need to add sugar - this is its advantage. The vinegar essence is diluted with water in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, then brought to a boil, put burdock roots crushed in a blender there and cooked over low heat for 2 hours. Ready jam is spread on toasts; marmalade and other healthy sweets are also prepared from it.

As for the coffee substitute, it is prepared as follows. Young roots are taken, washed, but not dried, and roasted in the oven until they turn brown. Then they are ground in a coffee grinder to a powder state. To prepare a drink from them, take 1-2 tsp. such a powder in a glass of boiling water.It tastes more like a chicory drink than natural coffee, but it also invigorates, without the side effects that caffeine causes.

Contraindications

One of the advantages of burdock root as a medicine is that it has practically no contraindications for use. One of them is hypersensitivity to its constituent substances. Therefore, the first few times it must be used with caution.

The burdock root is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the fact that it contains phytosterols, and their effect on the mother's body during this period has not been studied. With lactation, it can not be used so as not to cause allergies in the baby. For children at the age of two years, preparations based on burdock root are also not given to avoid allergic reactions.

Burdock root photo