What traditional concept is historically associated with the use of burdock root (*Arctium lappa*)?

Answer

Blood purification

Historically, burdock root has been strongly associated in traditional herbalism with the concept of purifying the blood. In this context, purifying the blood was understood to mean supporting the primary organs responsible for filtering the blood and neutralizing metabolic waste, namely the liver and the kidneys. Burdock achieved this traditional reputation through its known actions as a diuretic, which promotes increased urine output, and as a gentle laxative, which encourages regular bowel movements. By assisting the body in eliminating waste products more frequently through these primary elimination pathways—the urinary tract and the digestive system—the herb indirectly supported the overall detoxification and cleansing processes considered necessary for 'purified' blood.

What traditional concept is historically associated with the use of burdock root (*Arctium lappa*)?
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