How to Make Burdock Wash

Almost everyone is familiar with the burdock. Also known as the cocklebur or burr, those who enjoy walking in the woods during the fall are frequently rewarded with socks and trouser legs filled with stubbornly hooked seed burrs. While they may be annoying to hikers, the plant has long been valued by those who practice herbal medicine. Used externally, treatments made from burdock roots have been used to treat rashes, pimples, dandruff, burns and other skin conditions. Washes made from burdock root contain polyacetylene compounds, which demonstrate antibacterial and antifungal properties that are beneficial to damaged skin.

Things You'll Need

• Burdock roots
• Stock pot
• Jar with lid
• Clean cloth

Instructions

1. Locate a burdock plant and pull it and it's roots from the ground. Cut the roots from the remainder of the plant and wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.

2. Cut burdock root into ¼ inch slices. Measure the slices, making note of how many cups you ended up with and place them in a large stock pot.

3. Add cold water to the pot, using two cups of water for each cup of sliced burdock root.

4. Allow the mixture to stand for two hours and then move the pot to the stove. Place over high heat until the mixture comes to a full boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for one hour. Then remove from the stove and set aside. When the burdock wash reaches room temperature, pour the solution though a coffee filter to remove any solid particles and then transfer the liquid to a clean jar.

6. Dampen a clean cloth with filtered burdock wash and place it against the affected area to cleanse the skin and help to fight fungal infections, such as athlete's foot and ringworm. Apply the wash at least twice a day to achieve the best results. Store any unused portion in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Tips & Warnings

• This type of preparation can also be sweetened and drunk as a tea two to three times a day. When ingested, burdock root functions as a diuretic and mild antibiotic. It has traditionally been used to treat gout, kidney stones and rheumatism, and to lower blood sugar.

• Burdock is a member of the same family as ragweed and should not be used by those who have known ragweed allergies. Do not ingest burdock root tea if you are pregnant as it may cause uterine contractions.

References

• Herb Encyclopedia: Burdock Root
• Medicinal Plants- Great Burdock
• Burdock Tea- Benefits, Use and Preparation