Description
Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce
Botanical Name: Arctium lappa
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: Burdock, Greater Burdock, Gobo, Beggar’s Buttons, Clotbur
Parts Used: Root (most common), seeds, leaves
Habitat and Cultivation
Burdock is native to Europe and Asia but has naturalized across North America and many other regions. It thrives in disturbed soils such as roadsides, fields, and woodland edges. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows best in loose, well-drained soil that allows its long taproot to develop.
It is a hardy biennial:
- First year: Produces a rosette of large leaves and stores energy in its deep root
- Second year: Sends up a flowering stalk with purple thistle-like blooms and burrs
History and Folklore
Burdock has a long history in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and European herbalism. It was commonly used as a “blood purifier” to clear skin conditions and support internal balance.
The plant is also famous for its burrs, which inspired the invention of Velcro. In folklore, burdock is associated with protection, grounding, and resilience, symbolizing persistence due to its clinging nature.
Medicinal Actions and Uses
Burdock root is primarily known for its effects on the skin, liver, and digestive system. It acts as a:
Alterative (Blood Purifier): Supports the body’s natural detoxification processes
Liver
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