Burdock
Articum lappa
Burdock is a member of the Asteraceae or aster family which is one of the largest plant families. There are two species of burdock: Articum lappa and Articum minor which are both used interchangeably.
Burdock Root
Burdock has a taproot which can grow up to 3 feet long. The root of the burdock plant is sometimes used as vegetable and is eaten like a potato.
Burdock Seed
The seeds of the burdock plant are edible, but quite difficult to remove from the burr. This biennial herb grows bristly flowers in it’s second year, which will eventually encase the seeds. The actual seed is contained inside of a shell much like a sunflower seed.
Burdock Leaf
Burdock is a biennial herb, identified in it’s first year by it’s basal leaves. The leaves are large and heart shaped, toothless and are green on top, white underneath.
Burdock Projects and Recipes
Precautions and Contraindications
Burdock is generally regarded as safe, however, it should be avoided by some people, and should not be used in applications for children. Burdock may cause hypoglycemia in those with diabetes who take blood-sugar lowering medicines. It is not recommended for people who take diuretics, as burdock’s own diuretic action can cause dehydration. For anyone taking anti-clotting medication, there is an increased risk of bleeding with burdock so it should not be used by these individuals. It may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, so stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Burdock may trigger an allergic reaction in people sensitive to daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed. Discontinue use and see your health care provider immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction. Do not use if you’re pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, as the herb has been reported to stimulate the uterus and possibly cause premature labor.
Other Common Names
Burdock is known by many names and is commonly referred to as beggars button, thorny burr, fox’s clote, cockle button, clot-bur, cocklebur. You may be familiar with the name Goto, which is the Japanese name for Burdock root.
Did You Know?
Burdock fruit was the inspiration for Velcro by Swiss inventor, George de Mestral. After noticing how the fruits attached themselves to his clothing and his dogs fur, he studied the hook and loop characteristic and thought the same concept could be used to join things together.
Making Medicine
The root, leaf and seeds of the burdock plant all contain medicinal constituents and all are used in making herbal medicine.
In the Kitchen
Primarily the root of the burdock plant is used as food in some cultures. It is cooked in much the same way as a carrot or potato. The young leaves can also be eaten as any other green or dried and used in tea blends.
In the Garden
Burdock is biennial plant, meaning it has a two-year life cycle. During the first year of growth, Burdock produces only a rosette of large leaves from a long tapering root. The root is much like a carrot only much longer – it can grow up to 3 feet deep. In the second year the plant will begin its growth by sprouting more basal leaves then put out a tall branching stalk which reaches a height from 3 to 7 feet tall and can sometimes grow to 9 feet in height. Burdock can be planted in the garden, but be aware that it has the potential to spread to neighboring yards once it forms the seed head. The leaves can be collected at any time in their growth and the root should be collected in the fall of it’s second year.
