Burdock, Arctium lappa, medicine and food
Scientific Name: Arctium lappa
Common Names: Burdock, greater burdock, gobo (in Japanese cuisine)
Medicinal Uses of Burdock
Burdock (Arctium lappa) is used in herbal medicine for its detoxifying properties, blood purification, skin health benefits, digestive support, liver health, anti-inflammatory properties, and for hormone balancing.
The entire plant is medicinally valuable, including the root, seeds, and leaves. Its deep taproot absorbs vital minerals and compounds from the soil.
Greater burdock can grow to a height of three metres:
photo by Christian Fischer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Common
Detoxification and Blood Purification
Burdock root is renowned for its ability to cleanse the whole blood system, including the lymphatics. It promotes the elimination of toxins through the skin and kidneys.
Herbalists often use burdock root to clear skin eruptions, acne, and chronic skin conditions by supporting liver detox and kidney function.
To use burdock for detoxification:
- Drink burdock root tea daily over a period of weeks to months
- Take tinctures of burdock root combined with dandelion for full-spectrum liver and kidney support
- Add fresh burdock root to soups, stews and stir-fries to help the body gently eliminate waste
The inulin in burdock root also supports healthy gut flora, further aiding detoxification and improving immunity.
Skin Health and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Burdock is a powerful herb for skin health, widely used for eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dry skin conditions.
Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help reduce skin flare-ups and promote healing. Drink burdock tea regularly to support skin from the inside out.
The antioxidants in burdock, including quercetin and luteolin, help combat oxidative stress and promote youthful, glowing skin.
Digestive Health
Burdock root is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fibre that nourishes healthy gut bacteria, improves digestion, and relieves constipation.
To use burdock for digestive support:
- Add sliced burdock root to stir-fries and soups
- Take burdock root powder mixed into smoothies for gut support
- Dry and roast the root to make burdock herbal coffee
Burdock’s bitter compounds also stimulate bile production, enhancing digestion and the absorption of fats.
Liver Support and Hormone Balancing
Burdock is one of the top liver-supporting herbs. By assisting in detoxification and stimulating bile flow, burdock helps balance hormones, especially in conditions like PMS and hormonal acne.
To use burdock for liver health and hormonal balance:
- Combine burdock and milk thistle tinctures for daily liver support.
- Drink burdock and red clover tea to help balance oestrogen and clear skin.
- Include burdock root in daily meals for ongoing hormone health support.
Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief
The anti-inflammatory constituents in burdock make it helpful for arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory conditions.
To use burdock for pain relief:
- Consume burdock as food or medicine daily to reduce chronic inflammation.
- Drink burdock tea together with turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits.
Immune Support
Burdock root stimulates lymphatic drainage and supports immune function by clearing toxins and supporting gut flora.
How to use burdock for immune support:
- Drink burdock and elderberry decoction during cold and flu season.
- Take burdock root capsules for ongoing immunity support.
- Add burdock to broths and soups in the winter months.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Burdock root can help regulate blood sugar levels due to its fibre content and ability to slow glucose absorption.
To use burdock for blood sugar management:
- Include burdock root in meals for steady blood sugar support.
- Take burdock capsules before meals if prone to blood sugar spikes.
Constituents of Burdock
Burdock contains multiple active compounds, including:
- Inulin – Prebiotic fibre, digestive and immune support
- Polyacetylenes – Antimicrobial properties
- Lignans – Antioxidants that support liver function
- Mucilage – Soothes mucous membranes and the digestive tract
- Tannins – Astringent compounds helpful for skin health
Culinary Uses
The root of greater burdock, which is the most commonly eaten part, has a mild, earthy flavour and a crunchy texture. It’s typically cooked, as raw burdock can be tough and slightly bitter.
Japanese Cuisine
In Japan, gobo (Arctium lappa) is a staple ingredient. One of the most popular dishes is kinpira gobo, where the root is julienned and sautéed with carrots, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The crunchy texture of the root contrasts nicely with the savoury flavours.
Gobo is also used in soups and stews, where it absorbs the flavours of the broth and adds a mild, earthy note. It’s sometimes stir-fried with other vegetables or meats as well.
European Cuisine
In Europe, greater burdock has been traditionally used in a variety of dishes, but is no longer a common ingredient in most countries.
In Italy, the root is often added to stews and risottos, where it provides a unique texture and flavour.
In Eastern Europe, burdock root may be pickled or used in broths, offering a slightly sweet, earthy taste to the liquid.
Young shoots and leaves of the burdock plant are also edible and can be eaten like leafy greens, either raw in salads or cooked in soups and stir-fries.
Nutritional Benefits
Burdock root is rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to meals. It is especially valued for its ability to support liver function and digestive health.
The root’s sweet flavour becomes more prominent when cooked, and it pairs well with mushrooms, tofu, and meats.
In recent years, burdock root has also gained popularity as a health food, appearing in smoothies, teas, and supplements due to its detoxifying and medicinal properties.
Ways to use burdock in cooking:
- Peel and slice burdock root for stir-fries and soups.
- Add grated burdock root to salads.
- Ferment burdock root for a tangy, probiotic-rich side dish.
Japanese gobo salad:
Foraging Notes
Habitat:
Burdock grows in disturbed soils, along roadsides, riverbanks, and in open fields throughout Europe, North America, and Asia.
When to Harvest:
- The best time to harvest burdock root is in the autumn of the first year or early spring of the second year
- Harvest before flowering for the most potent root
Key Identifiers:
- Large, heart-shaped leaves with woolly undersides
- Tall flowering stalks with purple thistle-like flowers
- Burrs that cling to clothing and animal fur
Possible Lookalikes:
- Common dock (Rumex spp.) – Does not produce burrs
- Thistles (Cirsium spp.) – Similar flowers but more spiny
Safety Notes:
- Cross-reference your ID with at least 3 trusted sources before harvesting for the first time
- Avoid harvesting near roadsides where contamination may occur
It is possible for the leaves of greater burdock to grow this big:
Classification
Taxonomy:
Greater burdock (Arctium lappa) belongs to the genus Arctium and the family Asteraceae.
Etymology:
The genus name Arctium is derived from the Greek word arktos, meaning “bear”, likely referencing the bur-like seed heads that resemble a bear’s fur.
The species name lappa comes from the Latin word for “bur,” describing the plant’s seed heads, which cling to clothing and animal fur.
Fun Facts
- The hooked ends of burdock burrs are said to have inspired the invention of Velcro
- In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock seeds (Niu Bang Zi) are used for sore throat and colds
- The root has been consumed in Asia for centuries as a tonic food
- Greater burdock can grow up to 3 metres tall in its second year
Burdock burrs are said to have inspired the invention of Velcro:
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References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctium_lappa
What do you have to say?
I’d love to hear about your experiences with burdock!
Do you have any interesting stories or questions about foraging, wildcrafting, or the medicinal uses of burdock?
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