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What Is Burdock Root?

Burdock root (genus Arctium) is a genus of biennial plants in the Asteraceae(daisy) family that’s native to Northern Asia and Europe, but it’s now found throughout the U.S., where it grows as a weed. In Japan, it’s often called gobo root and is cultivated as a vegetable.

Burdock has large, heart-shaped leaves and bright pink-red to purple thistle-like flowers. It also has burrs that can stick to clothing or animal fur. The deep roots of the burdock plant are brownish-green or nearly black on the outside.

Burdock root is a slender, brown-skinned root vegetable that typically grows to be more than two feet in length. It consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins and fatty oils.

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SOME BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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• Blood Purifier

•  Lymphatic System Strengthener

• Natural Diuretic

• Skin Healer

• Defend Against Diabetes

• Combat Cancer

•  Improves Arthritis

•  Helps Treat an Enlarged Spleen

•  Fight Tonsillitis

What is Yellow Dock?​

Many different kinds of “Dock” exist and though some have similar properties, identification of the proper material is important. This particular plant has narrow leaves (Rumex translated from the Latin means Lanced) , which are usually curly (crispus) at the edges, vary in size and are not found in great numbers higher up the stem of the plant. The flowers become a green seed that turns a deep red color in the fall, traditionally marking the proper harvest time for the root. The plant is native to Europe and Western Asia but has naturalized itself widely in North America where it grows almost anywhere it can.

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SOME BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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• Digestion

• Natural Laxative

•  Anemia

• Skin Conditions

• Antioxidants

What Is Dandelion?

Dandelions, also known as Taraxacum officinale, are a type of flowering plant native to Europe, Asia and North America.

As a member of the daisy family of plants, dandelions are related to dahlias, thistle, ragweed, lettuce, artichokes and sunflowers.

Dandelions produce many small yellow flowers, called florets, which collectively form one flower head. Once it has finished flowering, the flower head dries out, the florets drop off and a seed head is formed. The dandelion seeds are then naturally dispersed by the wind … or those looking to score a free wish.

Although dandelion is often overlooked as just a pesky weed, it can actually be a useful addition to both your kitchen and your medicine cabinet. Both the root and greens are packed with health-promoting properties and can be used to make everything from dandelion tea to super-nutritious salads.

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SOME BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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•  Lowers Bad Cholesterol

• Fights Free Radicals

• Stabilizes Blood Sugar

•  Lowers Blood Pressure

• Helps Digestion

•  Reduces Cancer Risk

• Improves Liver Health

• Nutritional Supplement

• Protects Skin from Sun Damage

• Reduces Inflammation

• Strengthens Immune System

• Weight Loss Aid

What Is Sarsaparilla?

Sarsaparilla (which has the species names Smilax Ornata, Smilax regelii or Smilax officinalis) is a perennial vine that grows in warm temperatures, such as those in the southern most states of the U.S. or Central and South America.

The plant is a member of the Liliaceae (lily) group of vines in the plant family called Smilacaceae, which according to the USDA includes over 300 different plant species.

Indian sarsaparilla (Hemidesmus indicus), also called sugandi root, Nannari or the eternal root, is different than “American sarsaparilla” and has some unique applications.

Wild sarsaparilla vines can grow very long (sometimes up to eight feet), have starchy, edible roots, and produce small berries that are edible for both humans and animals, especially birds. Although the roots are much more often used to make remedies today than the berries are, the mild-tasting berries and leaves can also be consumed.

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SOME BENEFETS INCLUDE:

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• Preventing and treating cancer

• Lowering inflammation

• Increasing sex drive

• Boosting the immune system

• Improving weight loss

• Treating skin problems (such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis)

• Detoxifying the body

• Relieving digestive problems

• Improving kidney health

• Increasing muscle mass from working out

• Treating syphilis

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What Is Blue Vervain?

Blue vervain is a native, perennial wildflower that grows from 2 to 5 feet tall. Its hairy, square stems can be green or red. The toothed, lance shaped leaves progress in pairs up the stem and are about 6 inches long by 1 inch wide.

Purplish-blue flowers bloom in multiple, showy, elongated panicles (flowers arranged on a stem) and are up to 5 inches long. Each bloom is about 1/4 inch across and conspicuously lobed. Blue vervain blooms in mid to late summer; approximately 1 1/2 months after blooming each bloom gives way to four oblong, reddish-brown, triangular-convex “nutlets.” Blue vervain spreads through rhizomes, horizontal roots that produce new plants.

Blue vervain prefers moist conditions and full to partial sun. It can grow in disturbed sites and is commonly found in moist meadows, thickets, and pastures, as well as riversides, marshes, ditches, and river-bottom prairies.

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SOME BENEFITS INCLUDE:

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• Treating respiratory disorders

• Detoxification of the body

• Maintain healthy nerves

•  Cure depression

• . Anti parasites

•  Lighten menstruation

•  Good for oral health

• Good for breastfeeding mothers