B is for Burdock and Blue Cohosh

Burdock, Arctium luppa, has many uses, and can be found in Europe, North America and Asia. It is an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, demulcent, diuretic, stomachic and tonic. The most common part of the plant that is used is the root.

The best way to take Burdock is by making a decoction; you can also take it in capsule or extract form. The slight bitterness of the herb helps get the gastric juices flowing, which stimulates the appetite and has been known to help with the treatment of anorexia. With its antibiotic properties it is good for staph infections. And the antiviral property helps attack colds, sore throats. It has been used as a blood purifier, helping to release toxins from the liver. Burdock Root is also very good for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and other skin infections.

A good recipe for any skin problem is: Heat 1 cup of Olive Oil over very low heat and mix 1 Tablespoon of Burdock Root, 1 Tablespoon of Calendula and 1 Tablespoon of Chickweed into the oil. Let it simmer for half an hour. Strain oil mixture through a cheese cloth, then add shredded beeswax into the still warm oil, continue adding beeswax until you get the consistency you like. A good way to test is to take a teaspoon of the mixture and let it sit in the refrigerator for 5 minutes, which will give you the consistency it'll be. For a little extra boost feel free to add a few drops of Vitamin E and Hempseed Oil. You can mix Burdock Root with many other herbs to help cover the slightly bitter taste. Peppermint is always one of my favorites which can be added to any tea, especially ones for colds as well as Elder Flower which is also a wonderful herb to use if experiencing any cold symptoms.

The root has also been used in food and salads throughout Northern Asia and been attributed to being a good resource for vitamins and minerals.

Large quantities of Burdock Root has been known to stimulate the uterus, so use caution when pregnant.

Blue Cohosh, Caulophyllum thalictroides, has been used here in North America for years; it has been used by the Native Americans and was used by the first English settlers. Blue Cohosh is an antirheumatic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, tonic and vermifuge. It can be taken as a tincture, extract, capsule or tea. The part of the plant that is used is the root.

Blue Cohosh is very good for women's health. It can help with Leukorrhea, cramps, it can help start a period, and help reduce a heavy menstrual flow. It is definitely not to be used while pregnant! That being said, it has been used to help bring on labor, and is taken throughout labor and to help expel the afterbirth. The Iroquois used it to treat arthritis due to its antirheumatic properties. The Mohegan's used it to treat urinary tract infections, and the Cherokee used it as a tranquilizer. Blue Cohosh and Goldenseal make a very good combo for treating all of the above ailments. People who have high blood pressure or heart disease should consult a physician before taking Blue Cohosh.

Richelle Trivedi, Health Correspondent

Richelle's Column, Natural Living, published bi-monthly to Gather Essentials: Health covers different uses for herbs found in everyday life, nutritional insights, and simple ways to help make improvements to your life, all without being preachy.

Richelle is a Master Herbalist and Acupressurist who has been using herbs in her life for over 16 years, she lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband, Neil and young daughter Chandra. To see some of Richelle's herbal blends just go to MorningStar Herbals.

To check out all of Richelle's articles just go to www.gather.com/Natural Living.

Keep up with Richelle's other postings and Gather activity by joining her Gather network - just click here rickyrae.gather.com and select the orange "Connect" button on the left-hand side of the page.