Burdock Plant - History and Information

The burdock plant is a native of China and these biennial plants have long, wooly leaves. This medicinal herb has a conical root, which is fleshy inside and is covered by a hard cork-like part from the outside.

Documented history indicates that the burdock herb was used during the 14th century in an attempt to treat leprosy. In Japan, burdock root is called "Gobo" and is eaten as a vegetable; it is part of their regular diet. Burdock is famous in Japan for its multiple healing properties. Burdock roots are also fondly called poor-man's potatoes.

Medieval German herbalists used the burdock herb for treating gastrointestinal complaints, as well as joint and bone conditions. They were the first to use burdock root to treat cancerous tumors.

The burdock herb is a traditional medicinal plant and dried burdock root was used extensively in Europe, India and China to treat respiratory disorders, abscesses, joint pain, urinary problems, as well as to overcome serious health problems by stimulating cell regeneration, detoxification and cleansing.

American herbalists have used burdock roots and burdock seeds as a blood purifier and pain reliever for more than two centuries.

Burdock plants are related to the daisy family. Burdock is also closely related to echinacea, dandelion, and feverfew. Burdock plants are herbs, but an herb that has been much neglected when it comes to getting attention. Back in ancient times, the Greeks used burdock roots, seeds, and greens for healing purposes. Throughout the Middle Ages, burdock was used for both food and medicine.

The botanical name of burdock is Arctium lappa and it belongs to the daisy (Compositae) / aster (Asteraceae) family. Some of the common names by which burdock is known are Turkey Burrseed, Hurr-Bur, Gobo, Bardana, Burr Seed, Clotbur, Cocklebur, Hardock, Lappa, Grass Burdock, Hareburr, Beggar's Buttons, Thorny Burr, Cockle Buttons, Love Leaves, and Happy Major.

The burdock weed was earlier despised because it was found growing randomly along fences, walls, roadsides, in waste places, and also around populated areas, but soon the burdock weed was cherished as a healing herb. It thrives in moist, neutral-to-alkaline soil in sun or light shade and grows up to five feet in height.

Burdock Pages | Burdock Plant - History and Information | Information on the Common Burdock | Burdock Root Benefits on Health | Burdock Tea - Benefits, Uses and Preparation | Burdock Root Tincture, Burdock Root Oil and other Burdock Root Uses | Burdock Herb Research and Studies on its Health Benefits | Side Effects of Burdock Root - Caution, Contraindications | A Burdock Recipe or Two to Try

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