Benefits of Burdock:
Traditionally used as a blood purifier, burdock helps to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It promotes perspiration and the release of toxins from the body. Burdock root tea can also serve as an amazing winter preventative.
- Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This is a super combo for restoring digestive health
- Contains polyacetylenes that have demonstrated anti-microbial activity.
- Other active constituents of Burdock roots include alkaloids, essential oil, flavonoids, glycosides, polyacetylenes, resin, tannins, and volatile oil.
- The burdock seeds are rich in vitamins A and B and essential fatty acids.
- Burdock has traditionally been used for a wide variety of conditions, including chronic skin ailments, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and *cancer prevention.
Burdock Root Soup
1/2 cup burdock root, sliced
5 carrots, sliced
2 sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
2 broccoli stalks, coarsely chopped
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup or 1/4 cauliflower, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup fennel, sliced, 1/2 onion, chopped, 1/2 tsp, black pepper, ground, 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root, chopped fine, 3 cloves garlic, chopped fine, 2 tsp fresh grated turmeric, 2 tsp coriander, ground, 2 tsp cumin
Sautee onions, garlic, and spices together until onions are transparent
Combine all ingredients into a pot , simmer for 30-40 mins.
Leave chunky or blend. I left half chunky and blended the other half to make it creamy.
*prevention requires multi layered application of herbs, supplements, organic food, exercise, and meditation. Consult your personal physcian regularly.
Elements of Elderflower:
Elderflower comes from the potentially toxic Elder plant (Sambucus), which is a genus of flowering plants in the family Adoxaceae. It is often overlooked for its medicinal benefits and is most frequently used for its flavoring properties and in making various foods and beverages. Both the flowers and berries in the Elder plant can be used when properly prepared, but all leaves, sticks, and roots should be avoided.
The elder plant is from the genus Sambucus with more than 2 dozen identified species around the world. Identification of species and common names often refers to the region in which these plants or found or the color of their berries. A few elder species include: Sambucus nigra – Black Elder/European elder/Elderberry Sambucus mexicana – Mexican Elder Sambucus racemosa – European Red Elder Sambucus australasica – Yellow Elder Sambucus adnata – Asian Dwarf Elder Different species of elder have berries that vary in color from black or bluish black to red and even yellow or white. The elderflower is white to pale cream in color. Although the elder plant is found in areas all over the world, its presence is most commonly seen in the northern hemisphere, with at least 10 identified species found in North America.
Health Benefits:
Elderflower has been used in traditional medicine all over the world in many different cultures due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The most common uses are for colds and flu, sinus infections, and other respiratory disturbances. As a supplement, elderflower also has diuretic and laxative properties and is helpful in relieving occasional constipation. Elderflower has antibacterial and antiviral properties and may also help alleviate some allergies and boost the functioning of the immune system. Topically, elderflower might help reduce pain and swelling in joints due to some forms of arthritis and is used to stop bleeding. As an oral rinse, elderflower can be used for its antiseptic properties as a mouthwash and gargle. Elderflower also reduces blood sugar levels, very similar to the way insulin works.
Active Ingredients:
Elderflower is rich in bioflavonoids, mostly flavones and flavonols, that are most commonly known for their antioxidant. anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The most abundant flavonols in elderflower are quercetin, isoquercitrin and anthocyanins, which have antiviral properties as well. Elderflower also contains chlorogenic acids, such as cinnamic acid, which may help with allergies, regulate blood glucose levels and have a laxative effect on the body. Triterpenoids, especially β-amyrin, erythrodiol, and oleanolic acid, are also found in elderflower. These triterpenoids offer a variety of health benefits including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects.
Elderflower against MSRA
Research in Ireland showed that elderflower extract was effective in killing many common hospital pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)1. This study gave scientific proof of elderflower’s antibacterial properties against most gram negative and gram positive bacteria tested that align with traditional medicine uses of the past. Further study of elderflower components showed the potential for antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits as well.
How to Take Elderflower
Elderflower can be dried for later use or may be soaked or cooked down into a drink. While elderflower is typically found to be safe for consumption, the leaves, twigs, and roots are toxic and can lead to the build up of poisonous cyanide in the body. Note: All but the black elderberries are toxic when eaten raw, so should be cooked prior to use. However, even the black variety should be cooked prior to use due to the risk of nausea and other gastrointestinal complaints.
Supplements:
Elderflower supplements are available alone or in combination with other herbs. Supplements can be found as dried and cut flowers, in tea bags, in tinctures and concentrates, and in pills and capsules.
Recipe for Flying Ointment:
To keep you warm and to alleviate aches and pains caused by cold weather, carpal tunnel, arthritis, and muscle strains.
1/2 c. fresh grated ginger
4 thai peppers
1/8 tsp cayenne powder
simmer in 1/2 cup coconut oil for 30 min.
strain in fine sieve
add 8 TBSP Comfrey salve (see recipe)
add 2 oz. beeswax
simmer until combined
pour into small wide mouth container and seal
keeps up to 3 months refrigerated
