Product Review

Known as "Gobo" in Japan, burdock root (Arctium lappa) is an incredibly nutritive food and medicine. Herbalists prize burdock as an effective and powerful alterative, or blood cleanser, gently restoring and cleansing/detoxifying the liver and kidneys. It is commonly taken internally to treat skin conditions for which internal imbalances are at fault. It is known to be cleansing and soothing to the lymphatic system as well as the mucous membranes, aiding respiratory inflammation. Its medicinal magic aside, burdock is a delicious food highly valued in Japan; it is often grated and included in ferments (Kimchi), or cooked as a main or side dish. We like to dry roots for rehydrating in soups and stews in the wintertime, adding a nutritional, medicinal punch to the meal. Burdock is a biennial, taking two years to flower and set seed. The root can be harvested in the first year.