Burdock

HABITAT

Arctium (genus) commonly known as Burdock root has wonderful herbal benefits. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family (the daisy family) and is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Burdock is a biennial plant meaning there is a two-year life cycle. The first year is spent growing leaves and a root system, The second year is spent flowering. Once the plant flowers and produces seeds it completes the lifecycle and dies off. Arctium lappa has dark green large heart-shaped ovate leaves that are woolly on the undersides. The rootstock is a brownish-grey color and can get pretty big depending on the growth time and environment. The flower heads are globular with prickly bracts and a sweet scent so beware when working with this plant not to get stung. This plant provides food and medicine to humans and non-human kin all around all while healing and restoring the land and soil.

PARTS USED

The plant species that is primarily grown for herbal medicine is called Arctium lappa. Another variety that is common is called Arctium minus. The leaves are very bitter, so it is best used in small amounts added to a salad. It is always best to remove the spine when using the leaves to cook as that takes away a bit of the bitterness. Burdock is mostly grown for the use of the roots which are harvested after the second year of growth for a bigger stock. Yet all parts of Burdock are edible which makes it very safe to work with. It is said that the tastiest parts of the plant are the stalks and roots. The roots have a flavor similar to parsnips while the stalks when cooked for a while are similar to potatoes without the added starch. Another tip for a great flavor profile while harvesting herbs is to make sure the plant is in season. The best time to harvest burdock leaves is from late spring to midsummer when the shoots are 1-4 foot tall. For the roots the ideal timing is mid summer to late fall.

HERBAL BENEFITS

Arctium lappa has many herbal actions whether using the root, leaves, or steams! This herb is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, Alterative, mildly diaphoretic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and diuretic. The active constituents of the root are known to be detoxing, clearing the blood of toxins (Alterative) and supporting the cardiovascular system. Circulatory, promoting blood circulation to the skins surface, keeping quality of the skin strong. This makes it a great topical and internal herb for treating skin aliments like eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Burdock contains some amazing antioxidants like phenolic acids, quercetin, and luteolin. Antioxidants are chemical compounds that protect your cells from damage or free radicals. Burdock is also used in treatment of cold and flu with its ability to kill germs (anti-bacterial) and induce fever (diaphoretic). Shown to contain Vitamin C, this plant keeps the immune system strong and vital. Traditionally in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) Burdock is used as a decongestant and expectorant to help rid the body of mucous membrane. This plant contains inulin, a dietary fiber, making it suitable for digestive discomforts and digestive health. The anti-inflammatory compounds are another way to help with the digestive system keeping inflammation down. Too much of the root may cause bloating so beware when eating and try the root in small amounts at first if you have never consumed the plant before. The list goes on with all of the beautiful properties this plant can offer either as a food or a medicine. 

DOSE

Burdock is safe for daily use as a tea, tincture, or as food. Listen to your body and dose accordingly, It is best to start out low and slow and see how this plant makes you feel. I make a tea about 2-3 times a week and that’s what feels best for me. Burdock is not for pregnant or breast feeding women. If you are taking any medications make sure to speak with your health care provider before use. This statement is not evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease,

LORE

Arctium (genus) derived from the Ancient Greek word for a bear, arktos (αρκτος). Lappa (species) derives from the Latin word lappare meaning "to seize." Some references refer to lappa as a “paw,” maybe in describing the leaves. Great burdock (Arctium lappa) has been used medicinally since the Middle Ages, when practitioners in China, India and Europe prescribed it to “clean the blood.” Burdock was used to treat tons of aliments like constipation, cough, hair loss, gout, arthritis, kidney stones, urinary problems, respiratory disorders, and intestinal issues. In the culinary world the root was known as "poor man's potatoes" in reference to those whom could not afford food and needed to forarge to eat. Native Americans used this plant for its healing powers, nutritional value, and the ability to store the roots all winter long, which is great to do even to this day. Burdock was also hung above stable doors in Germany and Lithuania for protection from curses (Teirlinck, 1926). Some say the hooked barbs of burdock were the reason for the invention of velcro. The story goes that a swiss inventor found the heads of the burdock flower in his dogs fur and was inspired to create it into a fastener.

“A Burdock—clawed my Gown—

Not Burdock’s—blame—

But mine—

Who went too near

The Burdock’s Den—”

— EMILY DICKINSON