Since the beginning of time, people have used plants and minerals to create natural tonics for diseases, disorders and to promote good general health. With so many commercial medicines causing serious (sometimes deadly) side effects, many people have sought out natural cures and remedies to treat their illnesses. In recent years, burdock root has been increasingly visible in natural food stores.
Geography
Sometimes referred to as bur or bardana, the burdock plant is an herb indigenous to the Old World (Europe and Asia). While burdock has since been transplanted worldwide, it is still not widely grown in the United States. Thriving almost exclusively in temperate climates, many other regions in Asia and Europe are involved in the cultivation of burdock for the commercial market. The entire plant, including the root, is usually harvested from mid- to late summer, though the seeds are collected in late spring and early summer.
Features
A member of the Asteraceae family, burdock is a biennial herb that can grow up to 8 feet tall. With large leaves and a number of purple thistlelike flowers, which often cling to clothing and animal fur, burdock can also be used as a culinary herb. The young leaves and stalks of the plant are often used in salads and soups. Raw burdock leaves are generally bitter, while the taste of the young stalk has been said to resemble artichoke. The root is very crisp and has a sweet, mildly pungent flavor and a sticky texture. The light-brown, sturdy taproot, which is most commonly used in herbal medicine, can weigh anywhere from 2 to 4 lbs. in the second year of plant maturation.
Uses
Many cultures use burdock leaves, roots and seeds as food. In Japan, the young taproot of burdock is eaten as a vegetable, similar to parsnip and carrots. Also used in soups, salads and sushi, burdock root is a key element in the macrobiotic diet, which promotes eating seasonal grains, vegetables and greens while avoiding processed foods. Burdock, mixed with dandelions, is also popular in the United Kingdom as a soft drink. Rich in essential fatty acids, burdock root oil extract, also called bur oil, is used in Europe as a scalp treatment to improve hair strength. Burdock root can also be boiled or steeped in hot water and enjoyed as a tea.
Benefits
For centuries, burdock root has been used to purify and flush toxins from the blood. While the roots, leaves and seeds can all be used, the root is most commonly found in nutrition stores and markets. Burdock is also used to help cleanse the body from the inside out and is most useful in conditions that can be traced back to the liver or a surplus of toxins in the system. Burdock root oil extract can be used to treat dandruff, stop hair loss and promote natural hair growth. In traditional medicine, burdock was consumed as a diuretic to rid the body of excess water. Studies have shown that consumption of the root also promotes sweating and urination, helping to promote the elimination of toxins and waste materials (see Resources). When applied externally, burdock is a remedy for skin problems such as acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
Warning
While burdock is a common plant (easily grown in a garden and found in the wild), it is not recommended to pick wild burdock roots, as they can easily be confused with belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade. When taken internally, burdock root has also been found to interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron. Burdock has also been shown to interact with various medications, most commonly lithium and anti-inflammatory medications. Women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid consuming burdock due to its diuretic capabilities.
Interesting Fact
In the early 1940s, Swiss inventor George de Mestral invented Velcro after observing the hook and loop system of the seeds of the burdock plant.
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