Burdock (Arctium lappa) is an herb to use during pregnancy -- a mineral rich, hormone balancer, it helps prevent water retention in the mother and jaundice in the baby. It is an excellent blood purifier and cleanser and eliminates long-term impurities from the blood. Burdock works on the pituitary gland helping it to release protein in proper amounts, thus maintaining hormonal balance. Burdock can reduce swelling around the joints by promoting kidney function, through increased urine flow. Used extensively by some for cancer cases. It is a good source of iron making it an excellent choice for treating iron deficiencies.