Application
In medieval monastic medicine, Burdock was used for urinary tract disorders, as a diuretic, for various digestive problems and for coughs. Burdock was also believed to accelerate menstruation and childbirth and to expel the placenta after birth.
Externally, Burdock was used to cure scabies and for wound treatment.
The dried plant is still used for coughs, liver and gallbladder disorders, and stomach upsets. It is also believed to stimulate digestion and relieve painful menstruation.
Burdock contains so much tannic acid that it can be used for tanning leather.
Ingredients
Essential oil, tannic acid and the bitter substance marrubin.
Burdock is poisonous if consumed in excessive quantities.
Marrubium vulgare L.
Photo of page in Joachim Burser's herbarium.
