Podcast Episode Details

Get To Know: Burdock

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Season 2 Episode 13

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How to Identify Burdock

Key Features:

Feature	Description
Plant Type	Biennial (2-year growth cycle)
Height	Up to 6 feet tall (2 meters) in 2nd year
Leaves	Large, heart-shaped, woolly underneath, resemble rhubarb
Stem	Hollow, branching, purplish hue
Flowers	Purple, thistle-like, bloom in mid to late summer, surrounded by burrs
Seeds/Burrs	Round, spiky burs that stick to clothing and fur
Roots	Long, tapering taproots; light brown outside, white inside (used medicinally and culinarily)

Habitat:

• Found in disturbed soils, roadsides, vacant lots, woodland edges
• Native to Europe/Asia, naturalized across North America

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Historical Uses of Burdock

Traditional Uses in Europe and Asia:

• Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for centuries as a blood purifier and skin detoxifier.
• In Europe, burdock root was part of spring cleansing tonics and used for skin eruptions, rheumatism, and digestive issues.

Folk & Symbolic History:

• Burdock was seen as protective and grounding—sometimes carried as a charm or added to ritual baths.
• The burrs inspired the invention of Velcro in the 20th century!

In Food:

• Root called “gobo” in Japanese cuisine: a staple in stir-fries, soups, and pickles.
• Young stalks and leaf stems were boiled and eaten like celery in historical European cooking.

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Medicinal Benefits of Burdock (Modern Uses)

1. Blood & Lymphatic Cleanser

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago