Have you heard of burdock? When I learned about it, I was eager to find some growing nearby. But alas, there was none to be found. We ended up having to order some little burdock plants in the mail and planted them in a place with fairly deep soil. Knowing that burdock root grows very deep and that we would eventually dig it up to use, we needed a good spot.
Burdock is Biennial
Burdock is a biennial, which means it has a 2-year life cycle. In the first year, the plant sends its energy down to the roots which is the primary part of the plant that we want to use. In the second year, the plant stops focusing on the roots and works to produce flowers and seeds for new burdock plants. Then the plant will die. The best time to harvest the burdock root is in the fall of the first year or the spring of the second year before it starts flowering.
Burdock Leaf Bandages
Although burdock root is the main part of the plant that we use, burdock leaves are useful too. When our dad injured his finger last year with our log splitter, we used burdock leaves as bandages, following his surgery. Burdock leaves are known to pull dirt and infection out of wounds and are a gentle and nutritive bandage. We also harvested and dried some of the big burdock leaves for future use.
Burdock Root Benefits
Burdock root affects many different body functions from gastrointestinal disorders to bladder infections to eczema, psoriasis, and liver problems. How can it be good for all of these things you might ask? Well, burdock mainly addresses the liver and kidneys, helping them to get rid of excess waste from the body. This in turn oxygenates the blood, frees the liver and kidneys from working so hard, and allows the body to focus on other things that might be wrong.
Our Burdock Harvest
Ever since we planted our two burdock plants last spring, we have been eager to harvest them! Knowing that burdock grows very deep, we were determined to collect as much root as possible. We washed the roots off outside before rinsing them again indoors. After giving them a chance to dry off, we broke them into small pieces and dried them in the dehydrator.
Burdock Root Uses
Burdock root has an earthy taste and can be consumed in a number of ways. It can be eaten fresh by adding it to soups and stews or preserved by drying and making into a tincture, powder, or tea. We plan to make a tincture with this year’s harvest.
Harvesting our burdock was a rewarding process! We even made a YouTube video about it! As we learn about the many benefits of herbs and plants like burdock, we are grateful to our Creator for providing for us so graciously.
What about you? Do you like to use burdock? We’d love to hear from you!
Gratefully,
Hannah
