Burdock root is a natural detoxifier that supports liver, kidney, and skin health. It’s rich in antioxidants and inulin fiber, promoting gut and immune function.
Burdock root (genus Arctium) is a genus of biennial plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that’s native to Northern Asia and Europe. It’s now found throughout the U.S. as well, where it grows as a weed.
In Japan, it’s often called gobo root and cultivated as a vegetable.
Burdock has large, heart-shaped leaves and bright pink-red to purple thistle-like flowers. It also has burrs that can stick to clothing or animal fur.
The deep roots of the burdock plant are brownish-green or nearly black on the outside.
Burdock root is a slender, brown-skinned root vegetable that typically grows to be more than two feet in length. It consists primarily of carbohydrates, volatile oils, plant sterols, tannins and fatty oils.
Burdock root is not new to natural medicine. It has been used for thousands of years in Asia and Europe — and more recently in North America.
In Japan, it’s a largely consumed vegetable, typically eaten fresh or cooked, and the young leaves can also be cooked like any other vegetable.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock fruit has been used for thousands of years. It’s typically associated with the lung and stomach meridians, known to cool internal heat, and commonly used for supporting skin health.
In European folk medicine, an infusion of the seeds was often employed as a diuretic, enhancing health by supporting the processes of digestion and elimination. It was also commonly used as a scalp treatment to help prevent hair loss and get rid of dandruff.
What’s the difference between burdock root and dandelion root? Both are members of the Asteraceae plant family and have been used in their entirety for traditional as well modern medicine for years.
Both burdock root and dandelion are excellent for diabetes and skin conditions. They’re also natural diuretics that are loaded with antioxidants.
Dandelion is specifically excellent at cleansing the liver and protecting the bones, while burdock is an amazing blood cleanser, which also makes it very helpful to liver health.
Burdock is also helpful for bones, particularly osteoarthritis. Dandelion is high in fiber as well as vitamins A, C and K, while burdock is equally high in fiber as well as vitamin B6, potassium and magnesium.