The great burdock (Arctium lappa), a coarse biennial plant native to Europe and Asia, has expanded spontaneously over North America as a result of European immigration. Burdock root, or Arctium lappa, is considered a bitter, sweet, and cooling herb. There is iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C present. (Hoffmann, 1986)
History & Folklore
Great burdock has been used medicinally at least since the Middle Ages, when traditional healers in China, India, and Europe prescribed it as a tonic to purify the blood. It was also used to cure a variety of disorders including as gout, constipation, hair loss, cough, arthritis, sciatica, urinary issues, kidney stones, respiratory infections, and intestinal problems. American herbalists have been familiar with the plant since its inception and have mostly employed it as a blood cleanser and pain reliever. Furthermore, the root is edible and is sometimes referred to as "poor man's potatoes." (H. Dyer, 2017) Burdock is associated with Venus, feminine powers, and the element of water. Burdock is a plant that is used to ward against evil and give general protection in charms, amulets, and ceremonies. Amulets, incense, ritual baths, and potions may include it. also utilized for general healing The root may be shaped, dried, worn or carried as a charm. (Burdock - The Witchipedia, 2010)
Habitat & Cultivation
Burdock, one of the most widespread weeds in the United States, originated in the old world. It is quite prevalent in the Eastern and Central States of the United States, as well as in certain scattered regions in the Western states. It may be found growing along roadsides as well as in pastures, fields, and waste sites. (Sievers, 1930) Burdock prefers neutral pH and loamy soil in areas with moderate water quality. After any frost danger has passed, seeds should be stratified so that they germinate at an 80 to 90 percent rate when planted straight in the spring. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch (.3 cm) and keep the soil evenly moist. Germination occurs between one to two weeks. Young plants grow quickly once the seed germinates, but it takes some time for them to produce a big enough taproot to harvest. The bare minimum between plants is 18 inches (45.7 cm). (L. Grant, 2020)
References
- Hoffmann, David. The New Holistic Herbal, 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Element, 1986 H. Dyer, M. (2017, 0 0)
- StackPath. StackPath; blog.gardeningknowhow.com. https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/tbt/history-edible-burdock-plants/ Sievers, A. F. (1930). The Herb Hunters Guide. The Herb Hunters Guide. L. Grant, B. (2020, 0 0)
- StackPath. StackPath; www.gardeningknowhow.com. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/burdock/growing-burdock-plants.htm Burdock - The Witchipedia. (2010, August 11).
- The Witchipedia; witchipedia.com. https://witchipedia.com/book-of-shadows/herblore/burdock/
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