Burdock root

Arctium lappa

Detoxifier, Immune system, Gastrointestinal (Gi), Respiratory, Diabetes, Skin, Antioxidant

Detoxifier – Diaphoretic (fever – promotes sweating), diuretic & blood purifier – removes toxins

Immune system – lymphatic decongestant – stimulates lymphatic drainage and detoxification

Gi – contains inulin = food for healthy bacteria in colon; mucilage – protects lining of the stomach & aids to its healing (gastritis); digestive aid – promotes flow of bile (liver detoxifier); constipation

Respiratory – decongestant and expectorant – cough, cold

Diabetes – increases insulin levels and lowers blood sugar

Skin – polyacetylenes – acne (antibacterial, antifungal); increases circulation to the skin (lignans & arctiin); skin conditions such as eczema (blood purifier); youthful skin (inhibits enzymes that cause wrinkles)

Antioxidant – quercetin, luteolin, phenolic acids, lowers inflammation (joint aid – arthritis, gout), fights free radicals (cancer – pancreatic)

Burdock root carries all of the vitamins and minerals just like the human body does. It has long roots with great amount of detoxification properties. It truly is a “cleaning” root. It can ease up PMS symptoms. It is also known as aphrodisiac that increases testosterone levels and has been used to treat sterility and impotence. It is known as gobo in Asia.

Use: 

Root – fresh as a food (raw or stir fried), decoction (dry or fresh), dry root powder, infused oil, extract (skin-topically)

Seeds – harvest in fall; nourish and restore adrenal cortex during access stress; tincture

Young Leaves – fresh in salad (spring)

Stalks – mild flavor – eat as asparagus

Flowers – cut off spikes – stir fried or boiled  (early spring)

Contraindication – dehydrated person or if a person takes water pill (diuretic medicine); pregnancy (stimulates uterus); caution when on diabetic medication (increases the insulin and lowers the blood glucose)