What is burdock?
Burdock or Arctium is a genus, which belongs to the Asteraceae family. There are three species in this genus: Arctium minus, Arctium lappa and Arctium tomentosum. They are easily recognized among other plants due to their large green leaves and purple flowers. Burdock plant grows wild and is native to Asia, Europe and Africa. The root and sometimes leaves of this plant is used in culinary. Seeds, leaves and root are used in medicine.
What are burdock benefits?
Strange and useless for the first sight, burdock plant has many health benefits. It is said that it can purify blood, act like an anti-scorbutic, diaphoretic and diuretic remedy. Burdock is effective in treating:
- skin problems;
- fever;
- high blood pressure;
- joint pain;
- anorexia;
- cancer;
- colds;
- liver problems;
- gout;
- kidney disease.
In culinary the root of the burdock is used in various cuisines as a flavor, due to its pungent, sweet and mild taste. Burdock root is rich in dietary fiber, potassium, calcium and amino acids. The leaves of this herb are also can be used in culinary. What is more interesting, burdock is used to make soft drinks, herbal tea and even beer.
What are burdock side effects?
It is not recommended to apply burdock to the skin, as it may cause irritation. Before taking it in medicinal doses, consult your healthcare provider, Pregnant and breast-feeding women are better not to take it. It is not recommended to use the herb before surgery, as it may cause bleeding.