Plant Profile: Burdock

Plant Profile: Burdock (Arctium lappa)

From Herbalist Erin Smith

For many, their first experience of Burdock is finding its burs stuck to their clothing or trying to untangle it from dog fur. Besides these Velcro inspiring burs, Burdock is also an ancient medicine in both Asian and Western traditions. 

It is one of the most well known “blood cleansers” in Chinese and Western herbalism. Blood cleansers, or alterative, work by supporting the liver and kidneys to clear the body of wastes while also increasing availability of nutrients to help repair and protect bodily tissues. This gentle liver support is also behind one of burdock’s other uses – skin. It is one of the few herbs for skin that is taken internally. In most herbal traditions, sluggish liver is believed to be one of the main culprits of skin conditions: if your body is not able to clear waste properly, then it will try to push it out through the skin. Burdock’s alterative action helps your liver to do its job, getting to the root of many skin conditions, including eczema, acne and psoriasis.  

Burdock is also an ally for women. It helps to support healthy menstrual cycles and hormonal balance, making it an excellent addition during menopause. It helps to insure a healthy inflammatory response throughout the body and due to its slight mucilaginous quality and high concentrations of inulin, it aids digestion and supports a healthy gut. It is a powerful antioxidant.
 
While the root is primarily used, the leaves and seeds were also used traditionally. The seeds are diuretic and have also been found helpful in soothing the symptoms of arthritis and asthma. The leaves are can be used externally to soothe inflammatory conditions. The root can be taken as a decoction, tincture, or powdered.

Burdock could also easily be classified as a superfood. Along with all these health benefits, the root is also delicious, with a slightly sweet flavor. It is used frequently in Japanese cooking, where it is known as gobo and food is one of the best ways to take Burdock. It is delicious roasted with other root vegetables, added to stir-fry and soups, or made into chips or fries. The very young stalks, when prepared correctly, can be boiled and eaten like asparagus.
 
Energetically, it can aid those with unhealthy attachments and provide grounding energy to those struggling to feel rooted in their lives. It is cleansing and protective.
Burdock is widespread throughout Europe and North America and is another one of our healing  “weeds”.