Did you know that the inspiration for Velcro came from a burdock plant? In 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral was hiking with his dog when he noticed burrs clinging to his clothes and the dog’s fur. Intrigued, he examined the burrs under a microscope and observed their tiny hooks that latched onto anything with a loop. This observation led to the invention of Velcro, a fastening system now used worldwide. But burdock isn’t just great for inspiring inventions. It’s a herb with amazing healing qualities.
Burdock root is a plant whose roots, seeds, and leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine across Europe, North America, and Asia. It’s related to sunflowers and daisies and is native to North Asia and Europe but now grows in North America and other parts of the world. Burdock root is often consumed as a food, steeped in tea, or taken as a supplement.
How it Grows
Burdock features large, heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers, typically blooming in the spring and autumn. The roots themselves are long and can range from beige to brown or almost black.
Health Benefits
Burdock root has been found to have a variety of nutrients, including antioxidants and prebiotic fiber.
- Aids Digestion: Burdock root is a good source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps digestion and improves gut health. It can also protect the gastric mucosa, which help heal damage caused by inflammation or acidity.
- Reduces Inflammation: The antioxidants in burdock root, such as quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acids, help protect your cells from free radicals and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Skin Health: Burdock root’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help with skin conditions like acne, eczema, and wrinkles when applied topically. Burdock also helps stimulate matrix and promote younger-looking skin.
- Antioxidant properties: Burdock root contains antioxidants that shield the body against cell-damaging free radicals.
- Detoxifies the blood and cleanses the lymphatic system: Burdock root has been appreciated for its ability to detoxify the blood and cleanse the lymphatic system. It encourages a physical deep clean that drains out waste.
- Fights Infections: Burdock root has been used in traditional medicine to fight the common cold, sore throats, and other ailments. Studies have found that it may help prevent bacterial infections.
You can find burdock root in the following Holistic Solutions tinctures: Gut Vitality, Herbal Defense, Kidney/Bladder Vitality, Liver/Gallbladder Vitality, and Nerve Vitality. If you’re Rotating Your Way to Health with us, you’d use these tinctures in February and March each year.
