Many years ago, on a cold morning in February, the Kimura family went out to the edge of the forest to gather the roots of a wild herb growing there. A few days before, the grandfather had fallen ill and had lost his appetite, growing very weak over the course of the following days.

The father, Koji, the mother Ayumi and their two children took the wooden bucket and a shovel and walked down the rutted, muddy road. When they reached the forest, they looked where the trees and the grass of the neighbor's cow-field met. It was there they found the plant they sought. It was no longer green, but the old brown seed-stalks stood broken and quiet, and were easy to recognize, even from a distance. The stalks still had, here and there, some spiny seed-heads, looking like little brown urchins.

They dug the roots and returned to make a thick soup with them. The roots were called gobo, and the grandfather got better.

Many thousands of miles away, in the north of England, the shepherds were fond of digging the roots of a plant they called the greate Burre Docke, or Lappa. It was said to "taketh away paines of the bladder; and ....drunke with old wine doth wonderfully helpe against the bitings of serpents." This herb was thought to be as strengthening here as it was in Japan, and Gerard, the writer of one of the "great herbals", from 1597, says of it: "...it is a good nourishment, especially boyled....a most approved medicine for a windie or cold stomacke."1

Both of these plants, each from another half of the world are one and the same--today known as burdock, or Arctium lappa. It is from the daisy family, but its tiny flowers look nothing like the well-known daisy. Later, after the flowers are gone, only the spiny, barbed seed heads are left. They catch onto clothes and animal fur, hoping to be taken far and wide to scatter the seeds for new populations.

Burdock is a close relative to such herbal stars as echinacea, dandelion and feverfew, but of late does not seem to share much of the limelight. Burdock root, greens and seeds were known to the ancient Greeks as healing remedies, and in western herbalism they were important foods and medicines throughout the middle ages.2 Today they are still thought of for helping to ease liver complaints, other digestive disorders, as an effective diuretic, and for clearing skin diseases like acne. The seeds have a history of use as a strengthener of the respiratory system.3 The young greens and stalk are still eaten throughout Europe as a delicious and nutritious pot-herb, which a modern nutritional analysis shows to be a good idea. In 100 grams (2.5 ounces) of the fresh root can be found 61 mg of calcium, 77 mg of phosphorus, 1.4 mg of iron, 0.03 mg of thiamine and 0.05 mg of riboflavin.4

More interesting than the vitamin and mineral content of burdock, though, is its rich complement of active medicinal compounds. Modern research has isolated chemical constituents that have proven to be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal,5 and most importantly, tumor-protective6 and desmutagenic.7 Desmutagens are defined as substances that inactivate mutagens (cancer-causing agents) by reacting with them and "taking them out of action." These mutagens include pesticides, natural chemicals from plants and compounds that are created from foods (such as meats) by cooking. These potential cancer-causing compounds are now abundant in our food, water and air; many of them are already stored in our fat tissues. Natural herbal remedies such as burdock may very well be of extreme importance to modern societies such as ours. Recently it was reported in newspapers across the country that the "Rising rate of cancer may be tied to [our] environment." The article explained that even after "40 years of intense effort" to find a cancer cure (and billions of dollars a year of our money spent),....people in industrialized countries are dying from cancer at a greater rate than ever."8 Even more chilling is the actual number of people who will actually contract cancer, now estimated to be one out of three! One out of four are projected to die from cancer.

At present, it appears that our best protection against this modern epidemic is three-fold. First, as the world-famous toxicologist Bruce Ames has recently said, identify the major chemical mutagens and we can eliminate much of this cancer.9 Second, keep our immune systems strong and healthy, which can be accomplished by maintaining a high level of wellness, a peaceful, happy and flexible spirit and relaxed and varied work schedule, including enough rest to replenish our available energy. Third, add desmutagens in abundance to our diet. Many of these have been identified, and include mustard family members such as cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, foods with a high beta-carotene potential (such as carrots, yams and squashes), and of course, herbs such as burdock--a proven desmutagen and tumor protector.

Burdock's powers may go beyond those just mentioned. In the beginning of our story about this remarkable plant, we met a Japanese family, who traditionally used burdock (gobo) for its revered strengthening properties. An excellent account of its usefulness as a healing and warming food comes from one of the best-known macrobiotic authorities and cooks, Aveline Kushi. In her book "Complete Guide to Macrobiotic Cooking,"10 Ms. Kushi mentions that gobo is eaten all year, but is especially warming for the winter months. She says that it has a "very strong energy." In her book recipes can be found for the root, prepared with other vegetables such as carrots and green beans. Tofu is often added to provide further nutrients. The tender gobo roots are common in supermarkets and natural foods markets in many parts of the country and can be prepared by boiling, sauteing or deep-frying. I enjoy thinly-sliced gobo roots stir-fried in olive oil or sesame oil with garlic, greens (such as kale), red peppers and tofu. The crisp, firm roots can also be added to soups of all kinds.

I place burdock in the category of "deep defense" herbs. These are herbs like astragalus, reishi and shiitake, that can help increase the strength of our immune system, especially when weakened by stress or other environmental factors.

I often recommend the herb as a general strengthener for weak digestion, candida, chronic fatigue, dizziness with general weakness and people recovering from illness.

In modern western herbalism, it is often mixed with dandelion, ginger and other herbs to act as a "blood purifier," or herbs that help with detoxification. Thus, I have often recommended it in practice for people who are on cleansing programs as a tea with one part fennel, one part fenugreek, one part flax and one part peppermint. Drink a cup of the tea in the morning and one in the evening. For more rapid cleansing, up to 4 cups a day can be taken.

Although burdock is often overlooked in favor of brighter stars like ginkgo, ginseng and echinacea, the future hopefully won't pave a way to burdock's door--but more Zen, make peaceful paths through the woods to ask its favors. And perhaps the future will see it proliferate in many organic farms and become much better known for its powerful qualities.

• 1. Gerard, J. & Johnson, T. (ed.). 1633. The Herbal or General History of Plants. Reprinted by Dover Publications, New York (1975).
• 2. Madaus, G. 1938. Handbook of Biological Medicine. Reprinted by George Olms Verlag, NY (1976).
• 3. Lewis, W. 1791. An Experimental History of the Materia Medica. London: J. Johnson.
• 4. Chadha, Y.R. (ed. in Chief). 1985. The Wealth of India. New Delhi: Publications & Information Directorate, CSIR.
• 5. Leung, A.Y. 1980. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
• 6. Dombr·di, C.A. & S. Flde·k. 1966. "Screening report on the antitujmor activity of purified Arctium lappa extracts." Tumori 52: 173-5.
• 7. Morita, K., et al. 1985. "Chemical Nature of a Desmutagenic Factor from Burdock ((Arctium lappa Linne)." Agric. Biol. Chem. 49: 925-32.
• 8. Washington Post (no author given). 1990. "Report: rising rate of cancer may be tied to environment." San Jose Mercury News. December 10, p. 5A.
• 9. Ames, B.N., et al. 1987. "Ranking possible carcinogenic hazards." Science 236: 271-280.
• 10. Kushi, A. 1985. Aveline Kushi's Complete Guide to Macrobiotic Cooking. New York: Warner Books. BURDOCK: A Lion in Porcupine's Clothes Christopher Hobbs ver. 1.0 12/17/90 3

HOW TO GROW YOUR OWN CHINESE VEGETABLES

Wild burdock is very bitter and must be prepared in such a way as to reduce or remove the bitterness. (It didn't specify how this was done) Japanese gobo is not bitter and produces bigger roots.

Gobo is up to 45% inulin by dry weight. Therefore, like Jerusalem Artichoke, it can be eaten by diabetics without their having to worry much about carbohydrate content. Harrington says its flavor is similar to salsify, parsnips, and scorzonera, rather tangy too. J. Del Col -- Jeff Del Col * DECONSTRUCTION--- the critical method invented A-B College * by Procrustes Philippi, WV * *

BURDOCK ROOT

Family: Compositae

Genus species: Arctium lappa, Arctium majus

Type: Biennial or perennial herb

Part Used: Dried first year root

Location: Bulgaria, Europe, former Yugoslavia, Hungary, North America, northern Asia, Poland

Actions: Absorbs toxins from the bowels, alterative, antihypercholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antitumor, antitussive, appetite stimulant, astringent, bacteriostatic, bitter, blood purifier, demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive system alterative, diuretic, expectorant, fungistatic, liver alterative, lymphagogue, mild diuretic, mild laxative, muscular alterative, powerful immunostimulant, skeletal alterative

Indications: Abscess, acidosis, acne, allergies, anorexia nervosa, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, boil, bronchitis, cancer, canker sores, catarrh, chicken pox, chronic fatigue syndrome, cirrhosis, cystitis, eczema, gout, headache, hepatitis, herpes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, ichthyosis, immunodeficiency, lithiasis, lumbago, measles, pneumonia, psoriasis, rheumatism, sciatica, skin disorders, skin ulcer, smallpox, stomatitis, syphilis, urethritis, urinary tract infection, wounds

Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, Calcium, Carbohydrates (53%), Chromium, Cobalt, Fats (0.4%), Fiber (6%), Inulin (35%), Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (7%), Silicon, Sodium, Zinc

Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Decoction: 1:20 in water, dose 500 ml/day
Dried Root: 2-6 g or by infusion
Fluid Extract: 1:1 in 60% alcohol, dose; 15-30 drops up to 3x/day
Infusion, Cold: 2-4 ounces
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25 % alcohol, dose 2-8 ml
Tincture, Dry Root: 1:5 in 60% alcohol, dose; 30-90 drops up to 3x/day
Tincture, Fresh Root: 1:2 in 60% alcohol, dose; 30-90 drops up to 3x/day
Tincture: 1:10 in 45% alcohol, dose 8-12 ml

Contraindications: Lactation, pregnancy.

Drug Interactions: Hypoglycemic drugs. May potentiate antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs. May antagonize antiarrhythmics if hypokalemia results. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Interferes with the absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.

Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) May increase the risk of hypokalemia.

Warning: Interferes with iron absorption.

Burdock Root

Scientific Names

Forms

Traditional Usage

Overview

Active Ingredients

Suggested Amount

Drug Interactions

Contraindications Side Effects References

Scientific Names:

Forms:

Traditional Usage:

• - Acne
• - Allergies
• - Anti-inflammatory
• - Antioxidant
• - Bone and Joint Health
• - Breathing Disorders
• - Canker Sores
• - Celiac's Disease
• - Cellular Regeneration
• - Cleansing
• - Crohn's Disease
• - Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• - Colitis
• - Detoxifying
• - Digestive Disorders
• - Diuretic
• - Diverticulitis
• - Eczema
• - Endometriosis
• - Fibroids
• - Fibromyalgia
• - Gastrointestinal Disorders
• - Headaches
• - Hepatitis
• - Hormone Imbalances
• - Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• - Joint Pain
• - Migraines
• - Poultice
• - PMS
• - Psoriasis
• - Senility/Aging Conditions
• - Skin Disorders

Overview:

Based on clinical studies, intake of FOS significantly increases beneficial bifidobacteria within the gastrointestinal tract and eliminates bacterial pathogens. This ultimately stimulates the immune system and effectively suppresses abnormal cell growth. The high levels of FOS in burdock root and its water extract also help to keep blood sugar levels constant and reduce hyperglycemia. Burdock root and its tea also contain at least five powerful flavonoid-type antioxidants that are more powerful antioxidants than vitamin C. Based on many studies with animals exposed to toxic chemicals, the tea very effectively protects the body against cellular damage and abnormal growths. The tea also has powerful anti-inflammatory activity based on studies and reduces liver damage from toxic chemicals. As a mildly bitter-tasting herb, it increases saliva and bile secretion, which aids digestion and cleanses the liver. These qualities of burdock root tea support proper hormone balances within the body and this may explain its traditional use for treating acne, eczema, endometriosis, fibroids and psoriasis. Burdock root tea can also be applied externally for treating skin conditions.

Active Ingredients:

Suggested Amount:

Drug Interactions:

Side Effects:

References:

Duh, PD. 1998. Antioxidant activity of burdock (Arctium lappa Linne): its scavenging effect on free-radical and active oxygen. J Am Oil Chem Soc 75 (4): 455-461.

Lin CC, Lu JM, Yang JJ, Chuang SC, and Ujiie T. 1996. Anti-inflammatory and radical scavenge effects of Arctium lappa. Am J Chin Med 24 (2): 127-137.

Wichtl M (ed). 1994. Bardanae Radix - Burdock Root (English translation by Norman Grainger Bisset). In Herbal Drugs and Phyto-pharmaceuticals. CRC Press, Stuttgart, pp. 99-101.

Yamashita K, Kawai K, and Itakura M. 1984. Effects of fructo-oligosaccharides on blood glucose and serum lipids in diabetic subjects. Nutr Res 4: 961-966.

BURDOCK

Botanical Name: Arctium lappa

Plant Family: Compositae

Common Names: Bardana, Beggar's Buttons, Burr Seed, Cockle Burr, Fox's Clote, Lappa, Lappa minor, Thorny Burr

Origin: It grows wild in England in damp waste places, by roadsides and near old buildings.

History: The word arctium comes from the Greek arktos, 'to bear' and lappa, 'to seize' or the Celtic llap, 'a hand'. The word Burdock comes from French bourre which is from the Latin burra, 'a lock of wool' and 'dock' from its large leaves. Culpepper says that this herb 'is under Venus and you may draw the womb which way you plerase, either upwards by applying it to the crown of the head ... or downwards...by applying it to the soles of the feet;....stay in its place, apply it to the navel...'

Tradition: Burdock is

• added to potpourri in the house
• used in protective amulets and sachets to ward off all sorts of negativity

Medicinal Parts Used: Leaves, root and fruit (seeds)

Contains:

• fixed oils
• inulin
• Lappin (bitter, crystalline glucoside)
• mucilage
• resin
• starch (root)
• sugar
• tannic acid
• volatile oils

Action:

• alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
• antiscorbutic [a source of Vitamin C for curing or preventing scurvy]
• aperient [a mild stimulant producing a natural movement of the bowels; a gentle purgative]
• blood purifier [agent to purify blood]
• cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
• demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
• diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
• diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
• mucilaginous [characterized by a gummy or gelatinous consistency]

Fruit (seeds):

• affects the sebaceous and sudorific glands
• demulcent [a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes and protects them from irritation]
• relaxant
• tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]

Burdock Root is used for:

Gastrointestinal Conditions

• stimulates the digestive organs
• stoach ailments

A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for:

• indigestion
• strngthening and toning the stomach

Female Conditions

A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for: building the systems of young women

Genitourinary Conditions

• bladder pain
• fluid retention
• gout
• stimulates the eliminatory organs

Glandular Conditions: swollen glands

Inflammatory Conditions

• inflammations
• rheumatic conditions

Liver Conditions

• hepatitis
• jaundice
• liver problems
• stimulates secretion of bile

A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used as a very effective liver cleanser and stimulator [combined with Dandelion root ]

Respiratory Tract Conditions: asthma

Other

• boils
• certain cancers
• eczema
• fevers
• neutralizes and eliminates poisons from the system
• sciatica
• scurvy
• skin diseases

It works well alone or combined with Yellow Dock and Sarsaparilla for skin conditions

A tea made of the leaves of Burdock is used for: clearing persistent teenage acne if taken for three to four weeks

Externally it is used as a wash for:

• abscesses
• acne
• all manner of swellings
• boils
• catarrh
• hair growth, especially with Blind Nettle
• scaly skin conditions
• syphilis
• ulcers

Externally the leaves are applied as a poultice:

• for gouty swellings
• for old sores and ulcers
• for shrinking arteries and sinews
• for tumors
• to relieve bruises
• to relieve inflamed surfaces in general

Fruit (seeds) are used in:

• chronic skin conditions
• kidney conditions caused by a derangement of the nervous system
• restoring smoothness to the skin