There are many root vegetables eaten on a daily basis, such as potatoes, carrots, beets, parsnips and turnips. However there is a medicinal, nutritious and delicious root most people have never heard of before and that is a root called Burdock root. Burdock root is native to Asia and Europe. It is often eaten raw and cooked in Japan as well as other Asian countries. The root is now grown in the United States as well as other parts of the world.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the plant grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet, is a member of the daisy family and has burrs that sticks to clothing and animal fur. It has actually been noted that the burrs of the burdock plant was the inspiration to the inventor of velcro, Georges de Mestral.
Burdock is a biennial plant with purple flowers that bloom between the months of June and October. The leaves are big and heart-shaped but the part of the plant most people eat is the root.
The root for centuries has been used for medicinal purposes. As reported by Dr Axe from his website burdock root has a number of benefits. Here are some of the benefits of burdock root taken from his website.
- Blood Purifier.
- Lymphatic System Straightener.
- Natural Diuretic.
- Skin Healer ( you can use the tea without sweetener to put on skin to heal eczema, acne etc.).
- Combat Cancer.
- Helps with Diabetes.
- Improves Arthritis.
Burdock root has powerful antioxidants in its makeup such as quercetin, phenolic acids and luteolin these agents act as major contributors to a person’s well-being.
Fresh burdock root can be chopped and eaten raw. I think both raw and in tea form burdock root has a sweet, smoky taste which I find tasty. I personally plan on eating the root in its raw state more often, maybe in salads because I really enjoy the taste of it. The way I normally consume burdock root is in tea form. Remember burdock is a detox, when it’s consumed toxins are usually removed from the body, especially metals found in vaccinations and water. I noticed the first time I drank burdock root tea, toxins came out of my system in the way of acne, increase urination, loose stools and gas, this is normal.
Fresh burdock can be cut up, dried and roasted to be used as tea. Here’s a tutorial video from
Modest Vegan Chik on how to dry burdock root and make the tea. I also love this video from
Anyone Can Make, this woman is from Seoul, Korea and you see how burdock root looks from Korea as well as how she processes the root. Burdock root already dried can be bought at health food stores. Fresh burdock root is normally found in Asian markets. I do find that taking fresh burdock and making my own tea is more economical instead of buying it already dried.
One last note about burdock root, for any women reading this post, there are reports that burdock root in a tea form makes for an excellent hair rinse. It prevents hair loss, improves scalp condition and promotes healthy hair. I will definitely be trying this soon and will report back shortly.
Peace & Wellness,
Native Batch
