Burdock Arctium lappa

Names

• Synonyms

  Great Burdock, Gobo, Edible Burdock, Lappa, Beggar's Buttons, Thorny Burr, Happy Major, Clotbur.

• Common names

  Arctium majus, Arctium minus, Lappa major, Lappa officinalis, Bardanae Radix, Bardana.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Burdock is generally considered safe and edible, especially the root, which is commonly consumed as food. There can be cases where individuals may have allergic reactions to burdock, but these are rare. There is no widespread evidence of toxicity or poisonous effects from consuming normal, food-appropriate quantities of burdock. As with any plant or herb, it is possible to experience gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in excessive amounts or if an individual has a sensitivity to it.

• To pets

  Burdock has not been reported to be toxic to pets. However, pets might experience digestive upset if they consume parts of the plant, such as the burrs, which could potentially cause physical obstructions or irritation. It is always best for pets to avoid ingesting non-food plants as a general safety precaution. If a pet consumes a large amount of burdock or shows any signs of distress after ingestion, contact a veterinarian for professional advice.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Biennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Purple

• Height

  3-7 feet (0.9-2.1 meters)

• Spread

  2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-7

• Native area

  Eurasia

General Benefits

• Edible Parts: The roots, young shoots, and leaves of Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, can be consumed as food either cooked or raw, providing a source of nutrients.
• Skin Care: Traditionally, the plant has been used in skin care products for its soothing properties when applied topically.
• Natural Fiber: The stalks of burdock can be used to produce a form of natural fiber that might be utilized in crafting or textiles.
• Horticultural Use: As a hardy biennial, burdock can be used in gardens for its large leaves and tall growth, providing structure and visual interest.
• Companion Planting: Because it is deep-rooted, burdock can bring up nutrients from the soil for shallower-rooted plants in a practice known as companion planting.
• Wildlife Habitat: Burdock can serve as a habitat for various insects and birds, contributing to biodiversity in an area.
• Culinary Use: The roots of burdock have historically been used in culinary applications, particularly in Asian cuisine.
• Dye Production: The root can yield a natural dye that has been used in traditional fabric coloring.

Medical Properties

• Diuretic: Arctium lappa has traditionally been used to increase urine flow.
• Blood purifier: It is believed to help detoxify the bloodstream.
• Skin health: The plant has been used traditionally for conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
• Antioxidant: Contains chemicals that are thought to have antioxidant properties.
• Anti-inflammatory: Arctium lappa may help reduce inflammation.
• Digestive aid: It has been used to aid digestion and appetite.
• Antimicrobial: Some compounds in the plant have been studied for their potential antimicrobial activity.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Natural fabric dye: The root of the Burdock plant can be used to produce a brownish-gray dye for coloring wool and other natural fibers.
• Papermaking: The fibrous stalks of the Burdock can be included in the process of hand-making paper to add texture and visual interest.
• Fishnet weights: Historically, the dried and hollowed-out stalks of Burdock were used as floats in fishing nets.
• Bio-based plastics: Research on polymers derived from the Burdock plant's components is being conducted to create environmentally friendly plastics.
• Potpourri ingredient: Dried Burdock leaves and roots can be added to potpourris for their texture and earthy scent.
• Bird feed ingredient: The seeds of the Burdock plant are sometimes mixed into bird feed as a source of nutrition for birds.
• Natural decorator: The distinct burs from Burdock can be used in floral arrangements and decorative displays for their unique appearance.
• Vegetable leather: Innovations in textile production have explored using Burdock root fiber to create a sustainable, leather-like material.
• Composting: Because of its high nitrogen content, Burdock makes an excellent green matter addition to compost piles to help accelerate decomposition.
• Soil health indicator: The presence of Burdock often indicates a soil that is high in nitrogen, helping farmers and gardeners assess soil health.

Feng Shui

The Burdock is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Burdock is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Healing: Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock, has been used medicinally for centuries, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, symbolizing its association with healing and detoxification.
• Protection: Burdock's burrs can cling to clothing or animal fur, which can be seen as a form of self-defense, symbolizing protection and safeguarding against negative forces.
• Persistence: Because burdock is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult environments, it symbolizes persistence and the ability to survive in challenging conditions.
• Purification: With its detoxifying properties, burdock is often seen as a symbol of cleansing and purification, representing the removal of negative influences from one's life.