Burdock is a purifying and cleansing root vegetable that has been used for centuries in various cuisines and traditional medicines. It is known for its distinctive earthy and nutty flavor, as well as its numerous health benefits and ancient history. Let’s find out about the benefits of this wild food and how to bring them into your life!
Originating in Europe and Asia, burdock grows almost everywhere in the world at present, and can often be found sold at Asian markets as a vegetable. It is also known by its Latin name “Arctium Lappa”, and it is related to sunflowers and daisies. It is not a pretentious plant that likes to hide, so you don’t need to search too long to find it if you are walking around in fields, along paths or inaccessible areas. Still, it would require some basic gardening skills to extract the long, deep, carrot-shaped root.
How does burdock grow and when to harvest it
The burdock has a two-year life cycle. In the first year, the plant grows wide leaves that are green on the front and white, with a wooly-fluffy aspect on the back – which makes the plant easy to identify. At this time, most of its nutritious substances are concentrated in the root and this is why the plant should be harvested in the first year. Nevertheless, stems and leaves are also edible. In the second year, the burdock grows tall and the “energy” of the plant is concentrated in the aerial parts and flowers.
Health benefits of the burdock
Alongside fiber, protein, and carbohydrates, burdock – especially the root – contains a vast range of vitamins and minerals. It also contains many phytochemicals that support various biological activities. Here are some of the reported benefits of burdock root:
∙ Antioxidant: Burdock root has been shown to fight free radicals and works against oxidative stress which can cause cellular damage and chronic diseases.
∙ Anti-inflammatory: Burdock root has been shown to regulate the immune system. It may help to reduce the symptoms of arthritis, dermatitis, and similar inflammatory and skin conditions.
∙ Supports fight against diabetes: It is known that burdock lowers blood sugar levels, it improves insulin sensitivity and may prevent diabetic complications.
∙ Antibacterial and antifungal properties against various pathogens and oral infections.
∙ Helps fight cancer: Burdock root may help to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells, and may also enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce its side effects.
Medical Medium talks about the benefits of burdock
The Medical Medium has recommended burdock root as one of the most powerful detoxifiers and blood purifiers. According to him, burdock root can help with the following conditions:
∙ Liver issues: it can aid in clearing the liver of infections, heavy metals, and poisons. Additionally, it can help the liver to produce bile and the enzymes necessary for proper digestion and metabolism.
∙ Skin conditions: burdock root can aid in the treatment of rosacea, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Additionally, it can help wounds heal faster and minimize scarring.
∙ It can support weight loss, hair growth, nail strengthening, and metabolism stimulation.
∙ Burdock root also works well as a pain reliever in inflammatory conditions.
How to consume burdock
This popular and versatile root vegetable offers plenty of health advantages and can be consumed in surprisingly many ways! You may enjoy its interesting taste and nutritional qualities raw, cooked, or even juiced. See how you feel by introducing burdock root to your diet now!
Here are some tips on how to prepare and enjoy burdock root:
How to prepare burdock for your recipes:
Before you start any recipe, wash and peel the burdock root thoroughly to remove any dirt and bitterness.The stems can be peeled and eaten raw as well. The leaves are not particularly popular because of the wooly texture on the back.
∙ For a crisp and nutty taste, toss in burdock root to salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, or casseroles.
∙ For a snack or side dish, the burdock stem can be simply peeled to remove the hard part and eaten as such, or with spreads and dips.
∙ For Asian-style recipes, slice burdock roots thinly and add them to stir fries or a delicious ramen with organic noodles, like the Brown Rice Soba Noodles.
∙ For a delicious puree, boil burdock root in water or broth until tender, then mash it with olive oil and herbs for a creamy puree.
∙ For a crispy treat, cut your burdock root into chunky pieces and mix it with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary, then roast it.
∙ To enjoy the concentrated healing powers of this plant, simply add gently extracted Burdock Root Extract to a small amount of water and drink it.
Drinks made with burdock:
∙ Juice it with celery, kale, and apple for a fresh, nutritional drink.
∙ Steep fresh burdock root in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and drink it as a tea. You can also add honey, lemon, ginger, or mint for extra flavor.
∙ Combine burdock and dandelion roots to make the famous Dandelion and Burdock beverage that has been popular in England since the Middle Ages.
∙ Dried burdock root is also often used as a tea.
It is recommended to ask your doctor before taking any supplement, including burdock, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication.
