Burdock Root
Contains antibacterial and antifungal properties; Used since ancient times as a diuretic, diaphoretic, a blood purifying agent and to treat a variety of skin diseases such as abscesses, acne, psoriasis and eczema. Modern studies indicate that burdock root is rich in essential fatty acids, including rare long-chain EFAs.
Historically, this medicinal plant was used by the Ojibwa tribe, citizens of indigenous North America, and today, in form of an ingredient in Essiac tea for the alternative treatment of some cancers. Burdock root oil extract, also called Bur oil, is used in Europe as a scalp treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine uses the plant particularly for skin conditions and in cold/flu formulas, under the name niubangzi.
Dandelion and Burdock is a beverage consumed in the British Isles since the Middle-Ages. Burdock root was traditionally used as a bittering agent in beer before the widespread adoption of hops, making one of the original types of light mead beers, but over the years has evolved into the soft drink commercially available today.
The entire plant is eaten throughout Asia. Immature flower stalks are harvested in late spring, before the flowers appear. Their taste resembles that of artichoke, to which the burdock is related. The stalks are thoroughly peeled, and either eaten raw, or boiled in salt water. Leaves are also eaten in spring in Japan when a plant is young and leaves are soft. A popular Japanese dish is kinpira gobō, julienned or shredded burdock root and carrot, braised with soy sauce, sugar, mirin and/or sake, and sesame oil. Another is Japanese-style pilaf called takikomi gohan or burdock makizushi, sushi filled with pickled burdock root.
In 1948, George de Mestral, a Swiss inventor, noticed the seeds of the burdock plant had attached themselves to his clothes and to his dog's fur, after going for a walk. Under a microscope, he looked closely at the hook system that the seeds use to hitchhike on passing animals aiding seed dispersal, and he realized that the same approach could be used to join other things together. The result of his studies was Velcro.
-
Used as a whole raw ingredient, not as an essential oil
-
Contains antibacterial and antifungal properties
-
Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
-
Helps remove toxins from skin tissue
-
Supports a healthy immune system
-
Helps reduce inflammation
-
Preservative free
-
USDA certified organic
-
Certified kosher
References:
4. webmd.com
6. pfaf.org