Description :
Burdock is a biennial plant. A single plant grows for two seasons and dies off. The plant is native to Europe and Asia and has been naturalized North America. The plant has very large, hairy leaves, often over 2 feet in length and a foot or more wide. The roots consist of one large taproot with many smaller, hair-like roots that come off that. The taproot can extend over three feet into well-drained soil. Large purple fruit (seed pods) start off as green bulbs with hook-like burrs. After blooming, the purple seed pod turns grey and waits to connect with animal fur or people’s clothing to distribute the seeds to other areas. Burdock plants can grow up to 4 feet tall. Internally, Burdock is great suport for the liver and kidneys and. Externally, it soothes skin.
History and Folklore:
Folklore says that Burdock was the inspiration for the inventor of Velcro. Noticing that the burrs stuck to his clothes, George de Mestral decided to closely examine how they stuck and Velcro was the result.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the leaves in the summer or early fall when they are most vibrant. Harvest the roots of a first year Burdock in the fall before the plant goes to seed. Harvest the roots of a second year plant early in the spring of the second year. Harvest the seeds by pulling off the burrs in late summer. The seeds can be removed from the burrs using a rolling pin.
Precautions:
Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
diuretic, diaphoretic
Other Names:
Great Burdock, Gobo, Goboshi
Tincture Ingredients: Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
*These statements have not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
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eastoakopt (verified owner) –
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