The Artistic Farmer

Arctium lappa, Compositae                                                                                                                     Found on wastelands and by roadsides. Burdock has large rhubarb-like leaves and thistle-like pale purple flowers which form barbed burrs, which adhere to clothing and to the bodies of animals. It is much disliked as a pasture weed, since it clings to wool and spoils the quality (“Good for nothing “, the farmer said, as he made a sweep at the burdock’s head.) All parts are medicinal: roots leaves and burs. Burdock is one of the most valued plants in herbal medicine.

Use, internal: Remedy for all blood disorders, including chronic ones: gout, rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica. Burdock rapidly increases the flow of urine.

Use, external: For treatment of burns, scalds, skin irritation, boils, carbuncles, and skin parasites, apply a strong standard brew as a lotion. For burns, lay on the bruised leaves and bind in place. The bruised leaves are also a remedy against ringworm.

Dose: One ounce of bruised, sliced rood in three-quarters of a pint of water, simmer for and quarter of an hour and then steep for three hours. Take a small cupful, sweeten with honey, night and morning. In chronic blood disorders, take a cupful three times daily. To make a stronger brew, use more root and add some of the burs as well.