Rediscovering burdock: The forgotten root with powerful health benefits

The root of the greater burdock resembles other well-known roots, but it has long been absent from cuisine. Moreover, we often treat burdock as a weed, forgetting how valuable this plant is.

Burdock is a common weed, and the root of the greater burdock is mainly used for medicinal purposes. This plant is known for its burs, which cling to clothes. Many people certainly remember the small, clingy burs that stuck to their clothes after playing outside. Burdock can be found near buildings, in thickets, at the edges of forests, and even in roadside ditches.

Greater burdock contains antioxidants such as essential oils, phytosterols (plant sterols), large amounts of organic acids, and mineral salts, including phosphorus and sulphur compounds. Other valuable substances in burdock include vitamins A, C, and E, protein compounds, resinous compounds, and inulin (a polysaccharide).

People who have diabetes should stock up on burdock root tea. Its medicinal properties help restore the appropriate bacterial flora in the body and lower blood sugar levels. Burdock is also an excellent plant for those who want to prevent the development of this disease.

Burdock extract has a choleretic effect, which positively influences the digestive system. It increases the secretion of mucus in the stomach and reduces the amount of gastric juices, which accelerates and improves metabolism.

Burdock root has properties that remove unnecessary metabolic products, which is particularly helpful in treating many skin diseases. Burdock helps combat toxicity in conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, abscesses, lichen, or ulcers. This plant is an actual rescue for people struggling with dry skin—burdock root effectively alleviates this problem.

Burdock root will also help those who struggle with hair loss caused by dandruff or seborrhoea. This natural remedy excellently strengthens hair follicles. Do not deny yourself medicinal baths with the addition of burdock; your skin will gain firmness.

Valuable burdock root oil, suitable for both internal and external use, can be found in stores and pharmacies. Equally valued is burdock root juice, which works especially well in cases of inflammatory digestive conditions, digestion problems, and liver diseases.

Burdock root can also be consumed directly. It is fleshy, grayish in colour, and sweet-bitter in taste. In Asian cuisine, it is a well-known vegetable used to make a salad called Kinpira Gobo. Infusions are made from finely ground roots.