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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.




BURRWEED
COMPOSITAE
aka Clotbut, Cocklebur
(Xanthium strumarium syn Xanthium sibericum
Also: Xanthium spinosum
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SUBJECT TO LEGAL RESTRICTIONS IN SOME COUNTRIES!
Notably Australia.
Has been used to ADULTERATE Datura stramonium.

Burrweed was first mentioned by the Chinese during the Tang dynasty (AD 18-907) in a work entitled The Thousand Ducat Prescriptions.

PROPAGATION: By seed in spring or autumn.
NEEDS: Poor, dry soil in sun.
PART USED: Fruit
HARVEST: Fruits when ripe; dried for use.

MEDICINAL USES:
Warming, antispasmodic, antibacterial, antirheumatic, diuretic, sialagogue, diaphoretic, antiperiodic. A common ingredient of Chinese medicine.
Has been used internally for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, excess mucous, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbago, leprosy, pruritis.
Has been used externally for pruritis.





©2005 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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