Burdock
Burdock is a plant that has been used for thousands of years in Western folk herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine for its cleansing and skin-smoothing properties. The entire plant is edible and is a popular vegetable in Asia, particularly in Japan. In recent times, it has also been used as an ingredient in hair tonics and cosmetics for mature skin.
In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock fruit has been used for thousands of years to balance internal heat, support skin health, and is associated with lung and stomach meridians. It is considered energetically cold and having a slippery consistency that soothes mucus membranes. The root is also commonly cooked to change its energetic properties and make it easier to digest. In European folk medicine, an infusion or decoction of the seeds was used as a diuretic to support digestion and as a topical poultice.
