We have probably all walked through a field, only to be annoyed by the pesky burrs stuck to our socks or pant legs. But the root of that plant is a major ingredient of a wide variety of healthy remedies. Burdock (officially Arctium lappa) grows wild in Europe, Asia, and North America. The root is sweet and has a gummy consistency but the leaves are bitter like dandelion. The stalks taste a little like celery.

Some of burdocks secret ingredients include calcium, arcigen, essential oil, chlorogenic acid, inulin, flavonoids, mucilage,lactone, polyacetylenes, resin, potassium, tannin, and taraxosterol. It contains vitamins C and B3 (niacin), as well as significant amounts of chromium, magnesium, copper, and iron. The trace amounts of organic mercury in the root make it ideal for mercury detox formulas.

Not just the roots contain medicinal substances. In fact, historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were crushed to make an oil to relieve pain from arthritis, and for treating rheumatism, eczema, ulcers, acne, gout, and psoriasis. The burdock seeds contain healthful fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used to increase perspiration. This cleanses the body for influenza, liver disorders, or gallbladder, and to activate the kidneys. The leaves or leaf tea has been used in treating poison ivy or poison oak. Some just like to eat the leaves like lettuce and the root as a vegetable.

The most popular western use of burdock root and seeds is as a primary herb in blood purifier formulas. Just how this works is uncertain though it seems to be related to its diuretic properties. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock root can be used as a gentle laxative and help rid the body of uric acid. Some active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, that are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals.

Burdock root has been used for centuries as a remedy for arthritis, viruses like colds, measles, tonsillitis, throat pain, and, as mentioned, as a diuretic. The Chinese believed it was an aphrodisiac, and effective in treating impotence and barrenness.

Externally, the burdock root extract has been used in Europe to treat dandruff and encourage healthy hair growth. Patients simply massaged burdock root oil into their scalp. Also, arctigenin, a substance in burdock, may be effective in slowing cancerous tumor growth. The root contains Essiac and Hoxsey, both ingredients of cancer treatment medications.

Burdock may be purchased as a tea, ointment, as Bur oil, or in pills. Many herbalists say it is totally safe but be sure the burdock you buy or pick is pure. Burdock looks a bit like belladonna, and this plant that can be fatally toxic.

Though some tests indicate burdock is may help with abnormal blood sugar levels, it should be used cautiously for this. Mixed opinions are given about use of burdock by pregnant women because some say it may cause uterine contractions. It is best used in combination with other herbs since it can start the body cleansing too rapidly if used alone. If used by itself, start with small amounts. Also, for its blood cleansing effects to be maximized, burdock needs to be used consistently over an extended period, at least three months.

The ancients called it Monk’s pepper. This is because chaste tree berry (also known as Vitex and by the trade name Femaprin) supposedly had the ability to decrease sexual desire. However, others say it is an aphrodisiac, in other words, it has the opposite effect. Can both be true?

Though it grows to a height of twenty-two feet, chaste tree is just a large shrub native to the Mediterranean and southern Europe. Naturally it grows on moist riverbanks, but it can be grown in ornamental gardens in America as well. Look for its blue-violet flowers to blossom in midsummer. Chaste tree berries are only used to treat female problems today.

The above seeming contradiction isn’t the only one related to this herb. In history it has been used to inhibit excessive milk flow after birth, and to encourage it. It is used to treat post menopausal symptoms by some, and others say it exacerbates them. Some have used it to encourage conception, but others say that it does nothing for infertility.

How can this be explained? Chaste tree berry is what is called an adaptogen. This means it works to normalize hormone imbalance through its affect on the adrenal glands, in this case the pituitary. In other words, it restricts hormonal excesses and encourages deficiencies. Other examples of herb that are adaptogens would include ginseng, ginkgo, garlic, echinacea, goldenseal, and taheebo.

In order to balance the body hormones, chaste tree berry decreases the production of some hormones and increases the production of others. Some claim its success in treating infertility because it tends to shift the balance in favor of the gestagens which are hormones that condition the body for pregnancy.

Chaste tree berry is especially effective in balancing the female reproductive system because it encourages the production of progesterone. This results in restoring menstruation, regulating heavy periods, and restoring fertility that resulted from hormonal imbalance. PMS tension, and the changes of menopause have also been decreased by this herb. Excess prolactin may be the cause of premenstrual breast tenderness and chaste tree berry will balance this hormone and thus relieve the problem.

A tincture of the berries has also been used externally for the relief of paralysis, pains in the limbs, and neuropathic muscular weakness. Chaste berries are used to treat acne in both men and women. The berries can be used as a mild substitute for black pepper, and may even be ground in a pepper mill. The leaves and flowers are used for flavoring and have a spicy aroma.

Take 20 to 40 mg of the herb as a normal daily dose; 20 drops of tincture one or two times a day is normal. One cup of the tea, or one capsule may also be used. Some take it shortly before bedtime and find it improves their sleep. Don’t be impatient. Chaste tree berry is slow acting; it may take two or three months to evaluate its effectiveness.

Though not universally held, some say pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take chaste tree berry. A woman suffering from a hormone-sensitive cancer (e.g. uterus, breast, pituitary, etc.) should not take it. Nor should a woman taking hormone drugs such as oral contraceptives or menopausal hormone replacement therapies. Some react to it with an itchy allergic rash, some with mild nausea, and some with headaches. A few women have said that their cycle length changes.