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Pinging the list to Burdock. Has many uses, I am never without this herb. Also a list of herbs for Edema and other conditions. Freepmail me to get on/off this list.

Burdock
Parts used: Usually Root, also leaves and seeds
Tissues: plasma, blood
Properties: Alterative, diuretic, bitter tonic, diaphoretic, antipyretic
Indications: eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne, liver diseases, fever, lymphatic congestion, nephritis, edema, hypertension, boils, gout, arthritis, indigestion (pitta/hot type).

Seeds and root (all I’ve ever used or seen easily available is root powder) are deeply cleasning to the liver, blood and lymphatic system. Valuable in treating heat related or inflammatory skin disorders including acne, boils, eczema, and psoriasis. To relieve itching, use in conjuction with neem, manjistha, barberry, or turmeric.

Burdock is also rich in minerals and vitamins, including iron, magnesium, manganese and thiamine. The roots are strong and deep, and in Japanese cooking fresh roots are called gobo and used in soups and stir frying, I used to buy in Hawaii and cooked and ate them. Due to its secondary sweet taste (bitter first, but cooking gobo is not bitter), it does not provoke vata (excess air) or reduce tissues unnecessarily as other bitter herbs can do.

Burdock supports liver function, clears excess heat/inflammation, aids digestion especially the hot kind such as acidity. It can be used in soups with onions, ginger and other vegetables, especially good when sick with flu or other similar illness. As a cooling diuretic, it helps to remove excess heat/pitta from the body, supports healthy kidneys, expels uric acid, and can treat edema, gout, and psoriatic arthritis. I use in heart formulas for people who have a tendency towards edema, or high blood pressure, as well as for toxic (heat) blood conditions or skin problems. Recently used it for someone with lupus who noticed improvement but did not want to continue taking herbs, also in a bad case of acne (cured yay!). Also for a friend’s young son who had repeated boils, took care of them quickly.

Herbs for Edema, Kidneys and Liver, these herbs do have more uses as well.

Manjishta
Clears liver, moves blood, wound healing, good for itchy or inflammatory skin conditions, and also said to help reduce or break up tumors or cancer.

Shilajit
Edema, rejuvenates and cleanses kidneys (and many other uses)

Guduchi
Edema, Supports kidney and liver function, counteracts toxic effects of drugs/chemicals, supports immune system, good for IBS and gastric reflux. Helps with seasonal and environmental allergies. May have use in cancer.

Burdock
Edema, helps kidney and liver function, deeply cleansing to liver and blood, Useful in infectious illness or “hot” skin problems like acne and boils.

Pippali
For fatty liver: 1/2 t. pippali, 1/2 t. ghee and I t. honey mixed and eaten first thing in the morning followed by a cup of warm water

Bhumyamalaki
Edema, Protects liver function, one of the best herbs for liver

Bhringaraj
Removes toxins from liver, for enlarged liver, good for gall bladder and blood

Gokshura
Edema, all kidney and urinary problems including urinary incontinence. I think Gokshuradi Guggulu more potent for incontinence.

Gokshuradi guggulu
Rejuvenative tonic for kidneys, fatty liver