An invaluable plant whose bitter properties stimulate the digestive system while regulating glycemia and promoting the elimination of accumulated toxins. Its depurative properties also soothe skin conditions such as psoriasis. The roots of a first-year plant are harvested in the fall to make an extract and infusion.

_{Photo by @krnel}

The species pictured is the Greater Burdock, with a scientific botanical name of Arctium lappa. Other names for burdock are Arctium, Arctium minus, Arctium tomentosum, Bardana, Bardana-minor, Bardanae Radix, Bardane, Bardane Comestible, Bardane Géante, Bardane Majeure, Beggar's Buttons, Burdock Root Extract, Burr Seed, Clotbur, Cocklebur, Cockle Buttons, Edible Burdock, Fox's Clote, Gobo, Glouteron, Grande Bardane, Great Bur, Great Burdocks, Happy Major, Hardock, Harebur, Herbe aux Teigneux, Herbe du Teigneux, Lappa, Love Leaves, Niubang, Niu Bang Zi, Orelha-de-gigante, Personata, Philanthropium, Rhubarbe du Diable, Thorny Burr.

_{Photo by @krnel}

Key Points

• highly edible
• many medicinal uses
• inspired creation of velcro

History

Burdock is the inspiration for velcro. George de Mestral was curious about the seeds attaching to his clothes and dog's fur, and saw the hook system of the seed. This mechanism could be used to join two things together, and was first sold under the brand name Velcro.

Where is it found?

Burdock is native from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, and from Britain to Russia and Japan. It's an invasive weed in North America, Australia and other regions.

You can find it in disturbed areas, waste grounds and sometimes in meadows and woods. It especially likes nitrogen rich soils.

What's it used for?

Greater burdock is highly edible. Young roots can be eaten raw, and older roots should be cooked. The very long roots (over 60cm long) become woody and not too edible. Cooked with other flavors, the root will take on those flavors. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Young stalks as well,with rind removed is best, and used as a spinach or asparagus. The seeds can be sprouted and used like bean sprouts. The Japanese make Gobo salad from burdock root.

The root, seed and leaf are used to make medicine. Taken orally it's been used to treat urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever, "purify" the blood, colds, cancer, anorexia, stomach and intestinal complaints, joint pain, gout, bladder infections, diabetes, complications of syphilis, skin conditions including acne and psoriasis, high blood pressure, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), and liver disease. Apparently it can also increase sex drive.

Skin application is used for skin for wrinkles, dry skin (ichthyosis), acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Are there any risks?

Eating and skin applications are considered safe. People allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants which include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others might have issues with burdock as well.

Murdock may slow blood clotting, which might increase the risk of bleeding for those with bleeding disorders. Use during surgery should also be avoided. Medications that slow blood clotting will also be affected. Pregnant women and those breast-feeding can likely use it without issue. Those with diabetes might have issues with lower blood sugar levels from using burdock.

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References:

• Arctium
• Arctium lappa
• Arctium lappa - L.
• BURDOCK

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Previous posts on Getting to Know Herbs:
Catnip | Lavender | Yarrow | Marshmallow | Skullcap | Codonopsis (Poor Man's Ginseng) | Schisandra | Rhodiola | Canadian Goldenrod | German Chamomile | Blue Vervain | Blessed or Holy Thistle | Common Horehound | Cayenne | Ashwagandha | Gotu Kola | Common Verbana/Vervain | Holy Basil | Sweet Annie | Globe Artichoke | Butterfly Weed / Pleurisy Root | Joe-Pye Weed / Gravel Root | Valerian | Malva/Mallow | Boneset | Elecampane | Lungwort | Cramp Bark | Motherwort | Common Plantain | Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng) | Black Cohosh | Common Bearberry | Mahonia Mountain Grape (Oregon Grape) | Blue Cohosh | Goldenseal

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