by Tamara McIntee—Chartered Herbalist

For me, burdock brings back fond memories of forest walks with my sister. At the end of a walk, we would have to stay outside to pick the burrs off our clothing. Little did I know at the time of this plant’s remarkable healing properties.

Burdock, Arctium lappa in Latin, has plenty of nicknames: hurr-burr, bardana, clot burr, and turkey-burr seed. Its root is well known in Japanese food stores as a healing vegetable called Gobo. The whole plant is medicinal and can be harvested at various times of year. The roots can be harvested early in the spring, after the ground thaws, or early in autumn, before the plant goes to seed. The leaves and stems are best harvested while young, in spring.

Burdock seeds are best when harvested ripe, after the second year. Burdock leaves are easily identifiable, with their big heart-shaped leaves, their greyish-green color, and their flannel-like touch.

Sow seeds in the spring, in a neutral to alkaline soil.
Burdock seeds can be used effectively in cases of inflamed kidney or bladder, while also soothing the nerves. The seeds will be most effective if crushed before use. A decoction of the seeds should be taken cold for kidney problems. This root was also used by ancient herbalists to treat a weak uterus and as an aid during childbirth.

Burdock root is safe for pregnancy when taken in moderate amounts after the first trimester, Burdock root is loaded with vitamins and minerals, especially iron which enriches the life force of the blood; thus it enhances the immune system.

Burdock root is free of irritating properties. It slowly influences the skin, soothes kidneys and cleanses the lymphatic system, a part of its action happening through the bitter stimulation of digestive juices, especially bile secretion.

The herb is well known for healing skin problems from the inside out. Burdock specifically influences the sebaceous glands and can help with pimples, eczema, and dandruff.

For skin problems, burdock root combines well with stinging nettle, Oregon grape root, yarrow, yellow dock root, marshmallow root and cayenne pepper. Burdock root may clear up teenage acne when taken regularly for one month in addition to using fresh leaves, infused, as a wash. For treating the skin, a decoction can be taken 3 times daily, the leftovers to be applied as a wash or added to bath water. Use as a gargle for sore throat or a rinse for canker sores, especially when combined with raspberry leaves.

An ointment can be made with fresh burdock root to relieve itch. To enhance this effect, combine with slippery elm and goldenseal. Burdock helps rid the body of uric acid; this helps the liver, in turn balancing the hormones.

In the past burdock was used to treat leprosy and sometmes used to treat anorexia nervosa, to aid kidney function and heal cystitis. Burdock is an ingredient in the famous Essiak-blend used to treat cancer. Historically, the Chinese have used burdock to treat constipation. When used as a food, burdock root should be treated as a carrot; young burdock leaves as spinach. For a warmer blend, add ginger and cinnamon. To sweeten up the brew, add liquorice root, crushed fennel seeds or steevia leaf.

Good luck experimenting as you go for Gobo! Try some healthy burdock recipes.

Burdock gravy
1 cup chopped burdock root
2 cloves roasted garlic
½ cup yogurt or sour cream
1 tsp honey
3 tbsp flour
1 tbsp butter or veggie oil
1 tbsp tamari sauce
½ tsp miso
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Blend ingredients; heat on low until thick.
Reduce thickness; add water.
Use as regular gravy.

Burdock-root Tempura
2 tsp sesame seeds
burdock-root-and-veggie stir-fry
1 tbsp peeled, sliced ginger root
1 cup burdock-root shavings
½ cup water
2 large portabella mushrooms, cubed
2 carrots, coined
1 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
½ cup chopped green onion
2 cups sugar snap peas
2 tbsp tamari or soy sauce
1 cup white rice
2 tbsp ‘high heat’ veggie oil

Follow instructions for pre-cooked rice; sauté in oil with portabella mushrooms, ginger, and burdock shavings until burdock changes colour slightly; add broccoli, carrot, and water. Cook until a fork can poke through the veggies. Add tamari sauce, onions, peas, sesame seed, and stirfry for 1 minute; then remove from heat.
Simmer slivers of burdock root in a little water for 20-30 minutes and then mix with slivered carrots.
Dip a spoonful of veggies into tempura butter and drop into hot oil. When it pops up to top of oil, remove and allow oil to drain on paper; towel off.
Serve hot with fresh greens, on jasmine or basmati rice. Serves 4 or 5

Young buttered burdock
2 handsful of young burdock stems
2 cups water
1 tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. parmesan cheese

Gather 2 handsful of young burdock stems and peel. When skins are off, soak in water, changing it twice,
Boil in salted water for 5-6 minutes; then serve in a hot dish with butter and black pepper; add parmesan on top to make a healthy appetizer or side dish.

Cleansing coffee substitute
Collect and dry, in slivers, choice roots of burdock, chicory, dandelion,
liquorice, and yellow dock. Once these are dried enough to snap in half, roast, on low. in cast-iron pan or on tray in oven. Store in air-tight containers. To brew, simmer on low heat for half an hour. Strain and serve with milk and honey if desired. Cleansing coffee can be a healthy substitute for coffee during a spring cleanse.