Herbal Preparations

I took the day off yesterday because I got a little behind, and I had been working on an extensive list of herbal preparations which can be viewed now on my "Herbal Preparations" page to the left. It describes the different types of preparations and what they do. It's still under construction as I need to add a few things to make it complete, but it is still very useful if you are thinking of making your own herbal preparations.

Herbal preparations are different ways of preparing medicinal herbs to be used a medicine. There are a large variety of ways to use herbs the two biggest ways of course being ingestion, which is usually orally, and topically, or applying to the skin.

Depending on the herb and the ailment or illness you can determine the best preparation to make.

For example, if someone has a cold or the flu, an ointment or cream might help skin irritation, or a eucalyptus rub might help chest congestion but you would generally want to treat a cold internally. The most common way of doing this would be as an Infusion, Decoction, or Maceration. All three of these are different ways of making what we commonly refer to as tea. Water steeped with herb material to bring out it's medicinal properties.

Typically a cream, balm, salve, or ointment would be used if you or the person you were treating had some sort of skin problem, such as a rash, allergic dermatitis, bug bites or stings, or minor burns. These can also be treated with Poultice and Compress, which are faster preparations, by applying the herb almost directly to the skin. You can also apply it directly if using Aloe vera, by cutting open a fleshy leaf and applying the inner gel directly to the affected area.

There are infused oils, typically used for skin ailments as well. Especially strong oils can be used for aroma therapy.

Capsules are of course a form of internal medicine, as well as suppositories, all can be rather easily made at home.

The biggest issue with any preparation is dosage, which I will talk  about later. Dosage is extremely important when dealing with any kind of drug or medicinal herb as one could just as easily under-dose with little to no effect or overdose to very ill effect. So before administering or creating your own herbal preparations I strongly advise finding a very reliable source for dosage information, and make sure you keep up on it. Dosages can change very quickly, especially as more and more research on herbs is being done, so make sure to look for articles or sources published rather recently for dosage information (Within the last 3 years if possible.)

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)

Terminology -- When talking about Medicinal Herbs

There is a lot of terminology, I've been throwing out there when using herbs and I know it can be quite confusing to many who don't really understand what these terms are, so to start us off this week I will be explaining these different terms for you to better your understanding of what herbs actually do.

We'll start of with the simple ones, such as diuretic, which is term used to describe a substance that causes urination. The way it works is, that the kidneys have what are called "gates" where water is withheld to keep the body hydrated, this is usually a good thing, however, urination is one of the primary ways the body releases toxins produced within itself. Diuretics are mostly commonly used to help flush out toxins by "opening" those "gates" and allowing the water to pass through.

The next term is actually a set of two Antiseptic, and Antibacterial. While not exactly the same, one helps prevent infection, usually associate with the skin, the "septic" part represents sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection. Antibacterial (Also known as antibiotic), on the other hand can stop internal bacterial infection, everything from E. coli to streptococcus, as well as bacteria on the skin.

Another good term to know is Analgesic, which is another name for a pain killer, or pain reliever. The word analgesia, is the state of being relieved from pain.

Here are some more:

Diaphoretic - Causes increased sweating, useful for relieving the body of toxins through the sweat.
Anticatarrhal - Reduces or relives mucous or congestion
Adaptogen - Helps the body take on stress, and supports healthy function
Antioxidant - prevents the breakdown of tissues and stops "oxidation" meaning, it prevents cells from dying.
Anti-inflammatory - Stops inflammation and swelling, inflammation being tissue that has become irritated, on skin it often is accompanied by redness and "heat" to the area.
Antihemorrhagic - Reduces or stops bleeding
Antispasmodic - Relieves muscle cramps or reduces muscle tone, to prevent cramping
Astrigent - It tightens the mucous membranes of the skin, which can stop bleeding, and reduce secretions such as sebum or skin oil. Typically used on the face, neck and chest.
Laxative - The other side of the diuretic, this causes bowel movements.
Bitter - A term used primarily for herbs that aid in digestion, typically have a "bitter" taste.
Demulcent - Coats and soothes body surfaces such as mucous membranes, like those in the digestive tract.
Antirheumatic - Relieves rheumatic symptoms, pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, etc.
Aphrodisiac - Excites the libido, causes sexual arousal.
Antiemetic- Reduces or relieves nausea and sickness.
Autoimmune- When the immune system attacks the body because it believes there are foreign attackers.
Ayurveda -Traditional Indian and Sri Lankan medicine
Carminative- Relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion.
Depurative- A specific detoxifying agent.
Detoxification - The removal of toxins from the body
Emetic -  Causes vomitting
Stimulant - Increases activity in the body.
Sedative - Reduces activity, slowing down nerves. (Can help ease anxiety, as well as pain)
Relaxant - Relaxes the body.
Emollient - Softens or soothes the skin.
Expectorant - Stimulates coughing to remove phlegm from the throat
Antifungal - Relieves or prevents fungal infection.
Estrogenic - Has estrogen like effects on the body.
Antidepressant - Helps to ease or stop depressive or sad moods.
Antitumor - Prohibits or slows the growth of tumors.
Immune-enhancer - A substance that helps to boost the immune system
Styptic - A term referring to a substance that stops bleeding
-----
Aerial - The above-ground parts of the plant
Tuber - Swollen part of an underground stem (ex. Potato)
Rhizome - A horizontal, underground stem that puts out shoots to grow new plants, and roots to aid water uptake
Wild-crafting -  Gathering herb material from the wild.
Tincture - A form of herbal preparation where herb material is soaked in either alcohol or vinegar for a length of time before being strained and taken daily with a dropper.
Infusion -  Another name for making tea, by pouring boiling water over herb material.
Decoction - Similar to an infusion, however requires boiling the herbs in with the water over a heat source.Tonic- Has a restorative reaction within the body, restoring tissues or organs.

(More preparations will be mentioned on my preparation page.)

Hopefully this clears up a lot of the terminology commonly used in herbal medicine, there are many more, this was just to give you a base idea of what a lot of it means. There is a term for almost any kind of effect an herb or drug has on the human body. There are also many ways to prepare herbs to have these effects.

For example an herb such as one used for bug bites pr stings and skin irritation (Such as Broad-leafed Plantain) is best used made into a poultice, which requires crushing the fresh herb (Often times with a little bit of water) and applying it to the affected area.

We will discuss the different types of preparations on my next post a long with a page dedicated to making the different preparations.

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)

Herbs to Know: Goldenseal

Common Name(s): Goldenseal
Scientific/Latin Name: Hydrastis canadensis

Place of Origin: North America

Commonly thought of: A Native American heal all.

Past Uses: Used by Native Americans for various health concerns such as skin diseases, ulcers, and gonorrhea. It was at one time used as a heal-all for infections, everything from eye to respiratory infections, as well as infectious diarrhea, even occasionally for treatment of cancer.

Active Constituents: berberine (For infections)

Medicinal uses: Used to treat various infections and prevent colds, though there is no scientific evidence to say it prevents colds or treats illness of any kind, it is still used religiously as an anti-bacterial to help treat eye infections, urinary infection, diarrhea, canker sores, and vaginitis. Sometimes used to boost the immune system and believed to have antiseptic properties and is often used to clean cuts and scrapes.

Usually used as: Teas, liquid or solid extract, tablets, or capsules

Growing/Wildcrafting: Highly endangered due to being over harvested because of high demand. If found in the wild (Native to Eastern North America) DO NOT HARVEST. In certain states it can land you a hefty fine. While difficult to find locally, you can purchase it online in the form of rhizomes. They can be fairly expensive because of the rarity of the plant and the time it takes to grow the plant to produce enough rhizomes. However rhizomes can be a much better choice to seeds as they are pre-established making them easier to grow.

Cautions: Safe for short term use by adults with very rare side effects including nausea and vomiting. There is very little information on using goldenseal long term and in high dosages, so proceed with caution if taking goldenseal long term or at higher dosage. Goldenseal should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, berberine, the active constituent is known to cause or worsen jaundice in newborns and could lead to a life threatening problem called kernicterus, caused by high dosages of Bilirubin (yellow pigment created as the body gets rid of old red blood cells) the Bilirubin can collect in the brain tissue and cause permanent brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. Therefore goldenseal should not be given to infants or young children.

Drug Interactions: Goldenseal interacts with a variety of different pharmaceuticals including blood thinners, Cyclosporine, Digoxin, Tetracycline, and various drugs such as those used in chemotherapy, some drugs that treat HIV, Viagra, Prozac, Allegra, and more.

Extra Notes: Some people believe that goldenseal will stop a positive test result on a drug test, however there is no proof of this to be true, and many studies have reported it being completely false.

How to make Preparations: Typically it is the underground part of the plant (Underground stem or root) that is dried to make preparations.

Sources:

"Goldenseal." NCCIH. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Apr. 2012. Web. 23 June 2015. -- Website Link

Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Goldenseal." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 17 Mar. 2013. Web. 23 June 2015.-- Website Link

This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist) 

Herbs to Know: Feverfew

Common Name(s): Feverfew, Bachelor’s Buttons, Featherfew
Scientific/Latin Name: Tanacetum parthenium

Place of Origin: Eastern Europe

Commonly thought of: As it's name suggests, for fevers.

Past Uses: Fevers, various aches (Stomach, tooth, head), insect bites, infertility, female problems (Menstruation, child birth)

Parts Used: The aerial (above ground parts) are commonly used. Typically the leaves and occasionally the flowers and stems are used dried to make capsules, tablets, and liquid extract. The leaves are sometimes eaten fresh.

Active Constituents: Contains an anti-inflammatory called Parthenolide, which is believed to also have anti-cancer properties. However after further study we are unsure what gives Feverfew it's medicinal properties.

Medicinal uses: Newer uses include migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. While it has been used for these purposes, there is very little research to say just how effective feverfew is at treating these medical issues. There are some studies that suggest it can help relieve migraines, and some that say it can help with mild rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. While it was once used to treat fevers, it was found to not be very effective for that purpose.

Usually used as: Capsules, tablets, liquid extract

Dosage:
"Pediatric
Don’t give feverfew to children under 2.
For older children, ask your doctor whether feverfew is safe for your child. Your doctor will determine the right dose.
Adult
For migraine headaches: Studies have used 50 - 100 mg daily, standardized to contain 0.2 - 0.35% parthenolides. Feverfew may be used to prevent or stop a migraine headache. Feverfew supplements may also be carbon dioxide extracted. For these, one study used 6.25 mg, 3 times daily, for up to 16 weeks"
-University of Maryland Medical Center

Growing/Wildcrafting: It grows in North America, however it is more common to find it in Eastern Europe and is more commonly grown instead of wild crafted in the U.S.

Cautions: Taking feverfew one might experience, abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea vomiting, and nervousness. People taking it fresh have reported mouth sores, loss of taste, swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth. Like all herbs allergic reaction may occur, people with allergies to ragweed, chamomile, or yarrow should not take feverfew. Do not take feverfew if you are on blood-thinners as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant women or women who are nursing and children under the age of two should not take feverfew. While taking feverfew it is important that you do not stop taking it abruptly if you've already been taking it for more than a week. It can cause returning migraines, fatigue, muscle stiffness, anxiety, and joint pain.

Extra Notes:
"During the Middle Ages, people believed that feverfew can clean the air and protect against plague, malaria and bite of mad dogs."

"Fresh leaves and stem of feverfew are used as a source of light yellow-green pigment that can be used for the coloring of wool."
"Flowers of feverfew emit strong, pungent odor that repels bees. They can be used as insect repellent in the gardens."
"Feverfew is perennial plant that can survive more than 2 years in the wild"

 -Facts from Softschools.com --Website Link

Where to find Recipes:
"Feverfew Tincture

Ingredients:
Herbs, fresh or dried
Alcohol, vodka or Everclear
*DO NOT use rubbing alcohol*

Directions:
For fresh herbs, chop plant material (stems and leaves) and flowers.
Fill your jar.  For dried herbs, fill half of your jar.

Add enough alcohol to your jar to cover the herbs, plus another inch.  I prefer Everclear, especially for fresh herbs.  Cover with a lid.  Shake every other day.

Label your jar with date and ingredients.  Place in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Once your tincture is ready, strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dark (amber) jar.  If you do not have a dark jar, leave in a dark place."
-Back to the Basics -- Website Link 

How to make Preparations: Typical preparations use dried herb, either put in capsules, made into tablets, or made into liquid extract by either essential oil, or tincture.

Sources:
"Feverfew." NCCIH. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Apr. 2012. Web. 23 June 2015. -- Website Link

Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Feverfew." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 7 May 2013. Web. 23 June 2015.-- Website Link

This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist) 

Herbs to Know: Ginkgo

Common Name(s): Ginkgo
Scientific/Latin Name: Ginkgo biloba

Place of Origin: China

Commonly thought of: An herb to stimulate the brain or circulatory system

Past Uses: Ginkgo leaves at one time were used to help a number of illnesses including respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, it was also used to help fatigue and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Active Constituents: flavonoids and terpenoids

Medicinal uses: It is often used today because it is believed is supports mental health and is believed to help alzheimers, however recent studies have all but disproved this completely, as many participants in the studies showed no change or improvement to their alzheimer's or dementia. However there are studies that show it can help with intermittent claudication, otherwise known as pain in the legs caused by narrowing arteries. It is also used to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, and other health problems.

Dosage: 
"Pediatric
Ginkgo should not be given to children.

Adult
It can take 4 - 6 weeks to see any effects from ginkgo. Ask your doctor to help you find the right dose.
Memory problems and Alzheimer's disease: Many studies have used 120 - 240 mg daily in divided doses, standardized to contain 24 - 32% flavone glycosides (flavonoids or heterosides) and 6 - 12% triterpene lactones (terpenoids).
Intermittent claudication: Studies have used 120 - 240 mg per day."
-University of Maryland Medical Center

Usually used as: Capsules, extract, tablets, and tea

Growing/Wildcrafting: While it can be grown in certain climates in North America, is primarily imported from China where it originated. Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Ginkgo

Cautions: May cause headaches, nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, and allergic skin reactions to those who have an allergy to the plant. There is some evidence to suggest it may heighten bleeding risk, so you should not take it before surgery (Up to two weeks before) or if you are on any kind of blood thinner. A study done on rats and mice showed an increase in tumors after being given ginkgo extract for around 2 years, there is no science to show what might happen to people when on Ginkgo for prolonged periods of time.

Extra Notes: It is sometimes used to reverse the sexual performance problems that can accompany taking certain antidepressants called SSRIs (Such as Prozac).

Where to find Recipes:
Ginkgo Tea -- Martha Stewart
Often times the nuts are harvested and eaten or used in recipes.

How to make Preparations: Leaves are primarily used in making ginkgo preparations. These can be used in a tincture or extract, and dried to be made into tea or put in capsules.

Sources:

"Ginkgo" NCCIH. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, June 2013. Web. 23 June 2015. --  Website Link

Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Ginkgo biloba" University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 13 Dec. 2010. Web. 23 June 2015.-- Website Link

"Ginkgo: MedlinePlus Supplements." U.S National Library of Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Apr. 2015. Web. 23 June 2015. 


This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist) 

Herbs to Know: Ginseng

Common Name(s): Ginseng, Asian (Or Korean)Ginseng
Scientific/Latin Name: Panax ginseng

Place of Origin: Korea (Asia)

Commonly thought of: An energy booster

Past Uses: At one time used to improve the health of people recovering from illness, increasing stamina, improving mental and physical performance, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, symptoms related to menopause, and controlling blood pressure.

Medicinal uses: May lower blood glucose, used as an immune system booster against colds and flu, to improve heart health (Studies suggest it may improve symptoms of heart disease) it may also decrease bad LDL cholesterol levels and raise good HDL cholesterol. It is believed to lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes (However the studies are not clear at it should only be taken under supervision of a doctor). Mental alertness and performance are two of the biggest uses for Ginseng as well as physical performance. Erectile dysfunction and fertility, menopause symptoms, and even cancer, as several studies suggest it may reduce the risk of certain cancers (liver, lung, pancreatic, stomach, and ovarian, however the studies weren't completely sure if it wasn't also a healthy diet that benefited towards the lower cancer risk.

Active Constituents: ginsenosides (or panaxosides)

Usually used as: The dried root used in teas, tablets, capsules, and extracts. Occasionally used topically as creams.

Growing/Wildcrafting: American Ginseng can be found in North America and it is possible to wild craft it. Asian Ginseng must be purchased or grown. Guide for growing Panax ginseng.

Cautions: 
"Asian ginseng may cause nervousness or sleeplessness, especially if taken at high doses or combined with caffeine. Other side effects are rare but may include:

• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Euphoria
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Nosebleed
• Breast pain
• Vaginal bleeding

To avoid hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, even in people without diabetes, take Asian ginseng with food.
People with high blood pressure should not take Asian ginseng products without their doctor's supervision. People with low blood pressure, as well as those who are sick, should use caution when taking it.
People with bipolar disorder should not take ginseng, because it may increase the risk of mania.
People with autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Crohn's disease, should ask their doctors before taking Asian ginseng. Theoretically, Asian ginseng may boost an already overactive immune system.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Asian ginseng. Asian ginseng may cause vaginal bleeding.
Women who have a history of breast cancer should not take ginseng.
Stop taking Asian ginseng at least 7 days prior to surgery. Asian ginseng may act as a blood thinner, increasing the risk of bleeding during or after a procedure."
-University of Maryland Medical Center

Drug Interactions:
"If you are currently taking any of the following medications, you should not use Asian ginseng without first talking to your health care provider:
~ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medications) -- Asian ginseng may interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to lower high blood pressure. These medications include:

• Captopril (Capoten)
• Benazepril (Lotensin)
• Enalapril (Vasotec)
• Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
• Fosinopril (Monopril)
• Ramipril (Altace)
• Perindopril (Aceon)
• Quinapril (Accupril)
• Moexipril (Univasc)
• Trandolapril (Mavik)

~Calcium channel blockers (heart and blood pressure medications) -- Asian ginseng may make certain heart medications, including calcium channel blockers, work differently than intended. These medications include:

• Amlodipine (Norvasc)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem)
• Nifedipine (Procardia)

~Blood-thinners (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) -- Asian ginseng may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you already take blood-thinners such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix).
~Caffeine -- Ginseng may make the effect of caffeine stronger, possibly causing nervousness, sweating, insomnia, or irregular heartbeat.
~Diabetes medications, including insulin -- Ginseng may lower blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
~Drugs that suppress the immune system -- Asian ginseng may boost the immune system and may interact with drugs taken to treat an autoimmune disease or drugs taken after organ transplant.
~Stimulants -- Ginseng may increase the stimulant effect and side effects of some medications take for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin).
~MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) -- Ginseng may increase the risk of mania when taken with MAOIs, a kind of antidepressant. There have been reports of interaction between ginseng and phenelzine (Nardil) causing headaches, tremors, and mania. MAOIs include:

• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

~Morphine -- Asian ginseng may block the painkilling effects of morphine.
~Furosemide (Lasix) -- Some researchers think Asian ginseng may interfere with Lasix, a diuretic (water pill) that helps the body get rid of excess fluid.
~Other medications -- Asian ginseng may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver. To be safe, if you take any medications, ask your doctor before taking Asian ginseng."

-University of Maryland Medical Center

Extra Notes: There are two types of ginseng, Asian (Or Korean, known as Panax ginseng) and American (Known as Panax quinquefolius). There is also Siberian Ginseng which is not actually a ginseng and therefore does not have the same medicinal properties. It is believed that Asian Ginseng may raise blood glucose levels, and that American Ginseng lowers blood glucose levels. There are many studies but generally ginseng has not yet been confirmed to have the claimed medicinal qualities.

Where to find Recipes:
Ginseng Recipes -- Annie's Remedy 
Ginseng Root Tea -- eHow Youtube Video 
There are many recipes online that are non-herbal specific that include adding ginseng to vegetables, chicken, beef, or pork, which can still have the same health benefits depending on how it is cooked.

How to make Preparations:
Make tea by simmering dried root in water for 10-15 minutes. Tinctures made by chopping root (Dried or fresh) and covering with vodka or apple cider vinegar. Capsules made by buying the actual capsules (Vegetable or gelatin based) finely chopping dried materials and measuring each dose accordingly before placing into capsules. Extract made by using a carrier oil such as olive or grapeseed oil and covering the fresh or dried root in a jar, shaking daily for days or weeks, then straining and placing in colored bottle.

Sources:
"Asian Ginseng." NCCIH. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Apr. 2012. Web. 23 June 2015. -- Website Link

Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Asian Ginseng." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 27 Jan. 2011. Web. 23 June 2015.-- Website Link

This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist) 

Herbs to Know: Burdock

Common Name(s): Burdock, Common Burdock
Scientific/Latin Name: Arctium minus

Place of Origin: Europe & Northern Asia

Commonly thought of: As a weed or a vegetable

Parts Used: Burdock roots, young shoots, peeled stalks, and dried seeds

Past Uses: Traditionally used as a blood purifier, a diuretic, and a topical remedy for skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Recorded to have been used to treat diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and AIDS. In chinese medicine often used for sore throats and colds.

Active Constituents: consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins, and fatty oils; contains phenolic acids, quercetin and luteolin, powerful antioxidants.

Medicinal uses: Eaten as a vegetable in Japan, containing a natural dietary fiber. Used to improve digestion, contains prebiotics and antioxidant activity. Believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. Commonly used as a diuretic.

Usually used as: Capsules, Dried Root, Tincture, Fluid Extract, Topically (On skin) or Tea

Dosages:
"Pediatric
There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of burdock, so you should only give burdock to children under the supervision of a doctor.
Adult

• Capsules: 1 - 2 g 3 times per day
• Dried root: steep 2 - 6 grams in 150 mL (2/3 of a cup) in boiling water for 10 - 15 minutes and then strain and drink 3 times a day; may soak a cloth in the liquid and, once cooled, wrap the cloth around affected skin area or wound (known as a poultice). Do not use on open wounds.
• Tincture (1:5): 30 - 60 drops, once daily. Typically, burdock is combined in tincture form with other herbs. The tincture may also be applied to a cloth and wrapped around affected skin area or wound.
• Fluid extract (1:1): 30 - 60 drops, 2 times a day
• Tea: 2 - 6 grams steeped in 500 mL water (about 2 cups), 3 times per day

Topical preparations of burdock are also used for skin problems (such as eczema) and wounds."
 - University of Maryland Medical Center


Growing/Wildcrafting: Not recommended to be wild crafted as the root resembles very closely to that of Deadly Nightshade, a very poisonous plant. It might be more advisable to get seeds or manufactured product from a respectable dealer.

Cautions: Should not be taken by pregnant women as it can cause damage to the fetus. If you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or daisies you might have an allergic reaction to burdock including but not limited to dermatitis. Do not take if dehydrated as it can dehydrate you further. If buying burdock, make sure it is from a reputable dealer, as the root resembles that of poisonous plants such as a belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) and may be contaminated. It is not advised to collect burdock in the wild.

Drug Interactions: May lower blood sugar so not advisable to take with drugs for diabetes or any blood thinning drugs as it might slow blood clotting. Burdock has diuretic (increased urination) properties so it is not advised to take it with other diuretics (Water Pills).

Extra Notes: (Arctium) comes from the greek arktos meaning bear, which is an allusion to the roughness of the burs. 
"In general the plant is considered a noxious weed not only because of its ability to disperse by attaching itself to mammals and birds, but because of the problems it creates for livestock. The burs can be cause irritation if they cling to the eyes, throught, mouth, or the inside of the stomach. In some cases the seeds must be surgically removed." 
-- The Wild Classroom -- Website Link
Burdock seeds were Swiss inventor Georges de Mestral’s inspiration for Velcro.

Where to find Recipes:
Burdock Herbal Recipes -- Annie's Remedy
"Here is my recipe for Burdock Root Herbal Soup For Detoxification
Ingredients –
* 2 whole fresh Burdock Roots (each about 2 ft long as the ones found here are quite thin) – peeled, washed and cut into slices or chunks
* 1 cup dried Red Dates
* 1/2 cup dried Wolfberries
* 500 gm pork ribs, cut into 2-inch lengths
* 2 litres water

Method –
Bring all ingredients to a boil. Remove any scum that floats to the surface. Lower heat and simmer for 4 hours (6-8 hours if using a slow cooker). Season to taste with some salt and white pepper"
--Happy Home Maker88 -- Website Link 
38 Burdock Recipes -- Cookpad (Non Herbal) 
"Burdock Root Herbal Infusion
What you’ll need:

• A pint (16 oz.), sealable mason/preserving jar (preferably made of glass) 
• 1 ounce of cut & sifted Burdock root 
• Pot or electric water boiler to bring 16 fl. oz. of water to a boil

Instructions:

1. Place plant material into pint jar and pour 16. fl. oz. of boiling water into jar (make sure all plant material is submerged)
2. Give content a good stir, then cap and seal the jar
3. Allow plant material to infuse for at least 8 hours or overnight 
4. Strain off plant material and discard (compost if possible); the infusion is now ready for serving

Standard usage:
Drink 16 oz. (up to 32 oz., if desired) throughout the day. You can drink this nourishing infusion daily; this infusion should be consumed within 36 hours at most."
--Grapegate.com --Website Link

How to make Preparations:
"On the outside, burdock root features dark brown "bark like" color and has woody texture. Inside it features crunchy, milky-white fibrous flesh, which may turn gray upon exposure to air. To avoid this while cutting, drop burdock slices/pieces/julienne into lemon water to prevent oxidation.
To prepare; wash the entire length of the taproot thoroughly in cold water and scrape off outer skin using a paring knife. Burdock root is tough and should be tenderized before its use in cooking. To soften, cook the root in a boiling water with a single teaspoonful of baking soda added to a liter of water. Thus, the prepared root is then can be eaten as is, or added to salads, soups, etc"
-Nutrition and You

Sources:
Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Burdock." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, 7 May 2013. Web. 19 June 2015.-- Website Link

Rudrappa, Umesh. "Burdock Root Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits." Nutrition And You.com. Nutrtion And You, n.d. Web. 19 June 2015.--Website Link

This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").

~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)