Found this article: http://www.wexfordhealingcentre.com/psoriasis.htm
and there is a "recipe" for a herbal thing.....but I have NO clue what Burdock is or where its from........anyone know?
Thanks
Sandy

Its called Burdock Root. It is usally used in herbal treatments as a blood cleanser. Also used as an anti-inflammatory and also has anti- hystamine properties.
Ill inclued here an article.
When you say things like you dont have a clue about things, be sure to not consider any treatment until you are very well informed.
People tend to think that if it is an herb or readily and easily available, it is "safe" You can really do some damage to yourself when you take herbs that you are not certain of the effects, proper dosage and potential side effects.
I recommend a good herb book, with a secondary back up and perhaps a cross refrence one too.
Psoriasis is very sensitive and you may exaserbate the condition with improper treatment.
Read enclosed:
an alkalizing herb for over-acid conditions such as arthritis, herpes, kidney and bowel inflammation; as a compress to reduce bruising, boils, and canker sores; as part of a purifying formula for viral warts and venereal disease (1).
Burdock is quite effective in treating dry and scaly skin disorders such as psoriasis, dandruff, and eczema, particularly when they are caused by a general systemic imbalance. It stimulates the digestive juices and bile secretion and therefore is useful in treating anorexia nervosa and digestion and appetite problems. Burdock also aids liver function and is used to heal cystitis (2).
Burdock root is an Alternative, diaphoretic and diuretic that is used traditionally to cleanse the blood and heal the kidneys and liver. It is one of the best blood purifiers known to traditional medicine. When taken as a tea, burdock root can also help to reduce cravings and hunger, thus assisting in weight loss. Burdock root can be eaten as food As a dried herb, it is commonly used as a standard decoction. (to make decoction: bring water to a boil, pour in about an ounce of dried burdock root, gently simmer for ten to twenty minutes, and allow to cool. Drink Between meals. (3))
Burdock has, since ancient times, been known as a blood cleanser and purifier. Burdock's reputation as a blood purifier comes partly from its ability to cleanse the kidneys and urinary tract of excess waste and uric acid, increase the flow of urine and subdue bladder inflammation. Drinking a tea of the seeds is excellent for alleviating water retention.
In the so called cleansing of the blood, skin conditions improve markedly. Although our main interest in Burdock is its ancient reputation for blood cleansing and purifying, Burdock root or seed has many other healing qualities. Consistent use of the tea (root or seeds) has eased arthritis, sciatica, and gout, perhaps by reducing the swelling around joints and ridding the body of calcified deposits.
Burdock helps the pituitary gland in adjusting the hormone balance in the body, and speaking of hormones, Burdock root seems to have estrogenic activity. Burdock root contains 'Inulin' which the body can turn into insulin, and the root extract lowers blood sugar, and hence is a real aid to diabetics.
The tea has, in fact, a soothing effect on the entire nervous system. Most recently, Burdock has gained fame as one of the four potent herbs in Essiac, the formidable cancer remedy.
As a blood purifier, burdock may clear congestion in circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory and urinary systems. It can help eliminate excess fluids in the body and stimulate the elimination of toxic waste materials which will relieve liver disorders and improve digestion. It can cleanse the body of bile, detoxify the kidneys and gall bladder. Burdock root can increase perspiration which in turn carries off excess toxins.
The Chinese consider burdock an excellent rejuvenator and aphrodisiac. Burdock root has been used as a diuretic to relieve infectious diseases, especially those of the urinary-genital tract, and also to treat arthritis, rheumatism and sciatica.
Burdock root is rich in vitamins, B-complex, E and P. It also contains, in high amounts, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, zinc, sodium and potassium.
The root is composed mostly of carbohydrate, largely inulin (NOT insulin!), some mucilage and starches, and some sugar.
Inulin, the principal ingredient in burdock, has been shown to have remarkable curative powers. Inulin helps strengthen the organs and its natural sugar content helps regulate blood sugar metabolism. (In fact, Flor-Essence or ESSIAC has been shown to eliminate the need for insulin in diabetics.) The inulin in burdock root probably plays a key role in clearing up diabetic conditions because of its ability to regulate sugar metabolism.
Inulin reportedly is a powerful immune system modulator because it is said to hook into the surface of white blood cells and make them work better.
In animal experiments, burdock root extracts have been shown to destroy bacteria and fungus cultures, as well as showing strong anti-tumor activity
Be sure and investigate ALL claims. A little chemisty background helps, but if you dont have access to this, just cross reffrence via the web.
Always, always be very wary of herbal supplement claims and be sure to get information from NON biased sights, aka, vitamin shops etc.
Good luck, and keep informed.
I have used Burdock root. It is very potent. I believe it is advised against use on children for injestion, but I think I have a recipie somwhere around here for a Burdock Root poltice.
Melissa

I used to use burdock root in tincture form (alcohol extract) and tea form since it has been used for skin disease. Current research suggest though that its constituents promote cell proliferation. Yellow dock which is similar, yet stronger is preferred by Naturopaths. The "docks" are usually used as liver/lymph detoxifiers.