Burdock: Exploring the Benefits of Roots, Leaves, Stalks, and Stems

Uses

The fibers in the stems and leaves have been used to make paper. Burdock has anti-inflammatory properties, so many use burdock to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Burdock is helpful for skin conditions like eczema and acne by encouraging blood flow to the surface of the skin. Burdock is also often used for gut health. It is a mild diuretic, laxative, and cholagogue.

Nutrition
Inulin, fiber, iron, manganese, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin E

Concerns
Burdock can lower blood pressure and increase the risk of bleeding.

Check out this guide by Happy DIY Home on how to control Burdock weed! This guide can help you manage the weeds before they overtake your garden.

Glossary

Annual – A plant that completes its life cycle in one year. When the new season comes, an entirely new plant grows from the seed of the previous plant.

Biennial – A plant that lives for two years. They flower during their second year of life and after the third, a new plant grows.

Bract – A modified leaf underneath or surrounding the flower.

Cholagogue – Stimulates and increases the flow of bile.

Deciduous – A tree or shrub that sheds its leaves.

Herbaceous – A plant stem with little to no woody tissue.

Mordant – A chemical that binds a natural dye to a natural fiber.

Moxibustion (Mandarin: 艾灸)- Is an external treatment in Chinese Traditional Medicine and other countries in East and Central Asia in which bundles of dried Mugwort or wormwood are burned over the body.

Perennial – A plant that lives for more than two years. It survives by its roots when the top portion dies back or is evergreen.

Petiole – The stalk that supports the leaf and connects the blade to the stem.