EFA's are critical in the development and maintenance of a healthy nervous system, heart, and immune system, and play vital roles in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. In addition to the essential fatty acids they provide, the dietary fiber and soothing mucilage contained within the seeds are very soothing, cleansing, and supportive to the digestive tract. Burdock has also been shown to be effective in preventing disease which may result from environmental toxicity. Specifically, burdock helps to remove mutagen substances, such as pesticides and airborne pollutants, from the bloodstream before they cause harm to the body. Animal studies have also indicated that burdock extract has free-radical scavenging qualities in the liver, thus weeding out carcinogenic elements before cellular damage can occur.
Herbalists regard burdock as a specific long term remedy for eczema and other skin disorders.
In fact, it has been used in this capacity for thousands of years. Burdock tastes good and is one of the easier root herbs to feed to a picky dog or cat. The seeds also provide a special combination of fiber, and a chemical compound called cucurbitin. Cucurbitin is actually toxic to tapeworms, and the fiber-rich particles of the ground or chewed seed contribute cleansing, nourishing, and strengthing attributes to mucous membranes of the digestive tract, where tapeworms attach themselves to live. Best of all pumpkin seeds are a safe and tasty treat or your pet, unlike many of the other traditional herbal wormers, which tend to be bitter and hard on the liver.