Burdock Root (4/1/2019)

Have you ever had gobo? It’s a pretty tasty root that’s used in Japanese cuisine. It’s actually the root of the Burdock, a flowering plant that has been used by various cultures around the world for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties. Most of the benefits are in its roots. 

The Iroquois tribe of North America, as well as other Native American groups, dried and preserved burdock for food during the winter. In China, burdock is traditionally used to help ease inflammation, as well as promote urination and clear toxic heat. Inside your body and out, it’s considered to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Traditionally, herbalists all over the world use burdock root as a blood purifier.

Burdock root (genus Arctium) is part of the Asteraceae (daisy) family that’s native to Northern Asia and Europe. It was introduced in America during the 1600s by English settlers. The Burdock plant is also related to the Dandelion and Echinacea families.

The generic name arctium is derived from the Greek word for bear or arktos and the species name, lappa, is from the Latin word lappare which means "to seize." The fruit (bur) is thought to resemble a big, fuzzy bear and will grab on to anything in the vicinity in order to spread its seed. Its common name is most likely derived from a combination of burr and dock, because of the large leaves which vaguely resemble docks. Of the four species of Arctium, only greater burdock (A. lappa) and lesser burdock (A. minus) cultivated for their herbal parts.

Burdock root is a thin, brown-skinned root vegetable that typically grows to be more than two feet in length. Burdock contains many vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, polyacetylenes, essential oils, trace minerals, amino acids, sugars, and starches. Low in calories and high in fiber, it’s also full of calcium, chlorogenic acid, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, potassium, and resin.

Burdock is considered to possess anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties as well as being diaphorhetic (promoting perspiration),  a mild diuretic, a mild laxative, an alterative (by definition - tending to restore to normal health,) and a cholagogue (stimulating the flow of bile from the liver). The benefits of burdock extend to many different body systems including digestive, circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, glandular and immune systems.

In a paper posted in 2010 in the Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, it’s stated that research has shown that burdock root contains multiple types of powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids. (1)

Burdock root is a powerhouse when it comes to the nutrition profile. According to USDA (2) it provides energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fiber. Amongst minerals, it contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium. It is a good source of vitamins that include vitamin C, B vitamins, choline, vitamin E and vitamin K.

It also provides amino acids that include the following:
Aspartic acid
Glutamic acid
Arginine
Proline
Lysine

Burdock Root may be used as a treatment for the following health benefits:
• Mild laxative
• Mild diuretic
• Removing excess water weight
• Helping improve skin conditions
• Useful for cellular regeneration
• Boosting the immune system
• Aiding digestive problems
• Strengthening the Lymphatic System
• Help lowering blood sugar
• Arthritis
• Removing toxins
• Reducing swelling of joints

Interesting Fact
Would you believe that the inspiration for Velcro actually came from the burdock burr? In 1941, the inventor, a Swiss engineer named Georges de Mestral, went for a walk in the woods and wondered if the burrs that clung to his trousers and dog could be turned into something useful. After nearly eight years of research, de Mestral successfully reproduced the natural attachment with two strips of fabric, one with thousands of tiny hooks and another with thousands of tiny loops. He named his invention Velcro and formally patented it in 1955. (3)


If you'd like to check out some of our products that contain Burdock Root, please visit these links:
Cell Detox by Professional Botanicals
Lymph Detox by Professional Botanicals
pH Balance by Professional Botanicals
Serrapeptase + Prozyme by Professional Botanicals
Water Balance by Professional Botanicals

Note: The content of this article, and additional content on this website, are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking help because of something you read here on this website.