Making Burdock Root Tincture
Making tinctures is simple, especially if you use the folk method. The weight/volume method can also be used, but it’s a little more involved, what with the math and all. So I typically use the folk method. I’ve been growing greater burdock for a few years now, and I’m currently separating out the seed from the burrs. It’s an ongoing process and about as irritating as you can imagine. It’s bad enough that I have to practically wear a wet suit when around the plants if their burrs have formed. Trust me when I say, DO NOT GET THE BURRS IN YOUR HAIR. It’s a nightmare that you’ll never forget.
Anyway, I can only work on separating the seed from the burrs for short periods, so it will likely take most of the winter to get it done given the little fluff on the inside of the burrs that will stick to your clothing and will also work its way into your fingers. That’s why I wear clothing protection to keep them from working their way into my clothes and then into my skin. They’re like slivers and gloves may or may not be helpful. I may try the gloves that have been dipped in rubber, but we’ll see. I really want to make some tincture from the seeds though. They’re good as a diuretic, so I’ll persevere.
My husband dug up two large burdock plants and brought me some really good-sized roots. The biggest tap root broke off of one plant, which is fine because it means more will grow there next year. After cleaning them, I cut them into small pieces and placed them into a half-gallon canning jar. They filled up most of the jar and then I poured in 100-proof alcohol to the top of the jar’s lip. Typically, I use grain alcohol when tincturing fresh plants or roots, but I didn’t have any. Fresh plants/roots contain water which can dilute the tincture more than you might realize. You need around 25% alcohol in the tincture for preservative, but given that 100-proof alcohol has a 50% alcohol content, I think this will be fine.
Eventually, the roots settled a bit, but they’re loose enough in there that I can shake the jar daily for two weeks to a month, or whenever I finally get back to it to strain and bottle some of it. I typically use either 2 or 4-oz dropper bottles along with a smaller dropper bottle for traveling and then store the rest in a cupboard. Check with your herbal practitioner before using burdock tincture to determine which dosage is best for you. See the Disclaimer below.
General uses include:
The roots, seeds, and leaves of this plant are used. The root, with its bitter constituents, acts as a liver alterative and diuretic. (Chambers, 1800) The seeds additionally act as a diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, and nutritive. Burdock root is helpful with skin and urinary conditions, as a blood tonic, and with rheumatic conditions. (Barton, 1844)
~ Herbal Magicka, by Jan Erickson (me)
Magickal correspondences for burdock include:
~ Herbal Magicka
- Ruler: Venus
- Day: Friday
- Power: To Dare
- Element: Water
- Direction: West
- Energetic Effect: Receptive, feminine, passive
- Deity: Anael (angel), Hagith (Olympic Spirit)
- Magickal Uses: protection, cleansing, healing, defense, psychic ability, rebirth
Preparation methods:
- Crushed seeds – standard infusion; tincture
- Root – strong decoction; tincture, liniment, poultice
- Leaves – poultice
Disclaimer:
The information above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any condition or prescribe any treatment. Please consult your medical/herbal professional for further advice regarding the use of herbs, particularly if you’re already taking prescribed medications to avoid any unnecessary or harmful interactions. Please seek treatment from a medical professional should symptoms occur that do not quickly resolve on their own. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, please consult your medical/herbal professional before using any herbs.
References
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Thank you... Jan Erickson
