Burdock Root | Artium lappa
Burdock is one of Minnesota’s finest abundant herbs that most everyone could use a little of. The image below is an example of Burdock in it’s first year, which is when one would want to harvest in early spring or late fall when the energy is in the root. It has broad elephant like leaves and a deep tap root. In Burdock’s second year the burrs begin to emerge and the root becomes more dry, separated or stringy.
The image below shows Burdock in it’s second year as burrs are emerging. You can still use root in pinch, but better to find first year.
Burdock is high in nutrients (chromium which relates to sensitivity in body to insulin), works with diabetes & weight loss, curbs appetite, inulin (prebiotic= immunity in gut), helps calcium absorption, regulates glucose levels (panaceas/endocrine system), cobalt, sodium, potassium, tin, aluminum (immune activity), calcium, zinc, carotene, protein, fiber, mucilage, pectin, sugar, magnese, biotin, selenium, copper, B1B6, Vit E, etc.
The root is edible and quite tasty in stirfry’s. It is loaded with tannins which aid the body in reducing tumors & boosting immunity.
Burdock contains all of these actions: hypoglycemic (lowers blood sugar), lymphatic, hepatic, diuretic (kidneys), diaphoretic, laxative, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, anti-viral, adaptogen, alterative (restores function to body, increase tissues ability to deal with various body functions from absorption to elimination of kidneys, liver, lungs & skin, stimulating digestion, touching every system in the body, cleansing, anti-inflammatory). Burdock is gentle & slow acting and aids in adrenal exhaust. Just to name a few.
A powerful blood cleanser, working on liver and lymph, aids body in processing fats & oils, is my teacher’s number one remedy for strep or sore throats, part of the Essiac Tea Blend which is a famous anti-cancer blend, carries out heavy metals in the bowels, aids in issues such as sciatica, carpal tunnel, rheumatic pains, kidney stones, herpes, HIV, tooth & gum infections and on and on. Extremely versatile.
Burdock root promotes hair growth (burdock oil = hydro sterols & fatty acids), gives strength to women before and after birth, nourishes lipid pathways (indirectly effecting adrenals), amazing for skin (eliminates free radicals) specifically targeting inflammation & acne (large red purplish & cystic acne in jaw area which relates to pelvic region).
Now you can see why we are so blessed to have the beautiful plant growing everywhere in Minnesota! Where-ever you see those burrs around, you can be sure to see first year plants nearby.
If Burdock is tugging at your heart, feel free to inquire if you would like to set up herbal consultation, purchase a 1oz bottle or if you would like to learn where to find it and how to make your own preparations.
