Arctium lappa 'Great Burdock'

[Wild Form]

Asteraceae: biennial growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). The flowers are purple and grouped in globular capitula, united in clusters. They appear in mid-summer, from July to September. The seed heads have hooks, allowing them to be carried long distances on the fur of animals. Large, alternating, cordiform leaves that have a long petiole and are pubescent on the underside. The leaf stems of A. lappa are solid and the steams of A. minus are hollow. Found waste ground, preferring calcareous soils, it is sometimes also found in meadows and woods. Native to Most of Europe, including Britain, east to northern Asia.

USES:

The roots can be eaten raw or cooked, the very young roots can be eaten raw, but older roots are normally cooked. They are but are best harvested when no more than 60cm long. Old and very long roots are apt to become woody at the core. Although it does not have much flavour the root can absorb other flavours. Young roots have a mild flavour, but this becomes stronger as the root gets older. Roots can be dried for later use. The root contains about 45% inulin; the Inulin can be converted into a sweetener that is suitable for diabetics to eat. Young leaves can be used raw or cooked, they have a mucilaginous texture. Young stalks and branches can be used raw or cooked, used like asparagus or spinach, they taste best if the rind is removed. The leaf stalks can be parboiled and used as a substitute for cardoons. The pith of the flowering stem can be eaten raw in salads, boiled or made into confections. A delicate vegetable, somewhat like asparagus in flavour. The seeds can be sprouted and used like bean-sprouts.

Burdock is one of the foremost detoxifying herbs in both Chinese and Western herbal medicine. The dried root of one-year-old plants is the official herb, but the leaves and fruits can also be used. It is used to treat conditions caused by an 'overload' of toxins, such as throat and other infections, boils, rashes and other skin problems. The root is thought to be particularly good at helping to eliminate heavy metals from the body. The plant is also part of a North American formula called essiac which is a popular treatment for cancer. Its effectiveness has never been reliably proven or disproven since controlled studies have not been carried out. The other herbs included in the formula are Rumex acetosella, Ulmus rubra and Rheum palmatum. The plant has antibacterial, antifungal, carminative properties. It has soothing, mucilaginous properties and is said to be one of the most certain cures for many types of skin diseases, burns, bruises. It is used in the treatment of herpes, eczema, acne, impetigo, ringworm, boils, and bites. The plant can be taken internally as an infusion, or used externally as a wash. The roots of one-year old plants are harvested in mid-summer and dried. They are alterative, aperient, blood purifier, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic and stomachic. The seed has alterative, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic and diuretic properties. Recent research has shown that seed extracts lower blood sugar levels. The seed is harvested in the summer and dried for later use. The crushed seed is poulticed onto bruises. The leaves are poulticed onto burns, ulcers and sores.

The juice of the plant, when used as a friction, is said to have a stimulating action against baldness.

GROWING INFORMATION:

The seed best sown in situ in the autumn, but can also be sown in spring. Germination can be erratic, but I find them very quick and easy to germinate. Succeeds in most soils when grown in partial shade. Prefers a moist neutral to alkaline soil and a sunny position. Plants are best grown in a light well-drained soil if the roots are required for culinary use.

HARVESTED: 2020

 
APPROX. 50 SEEDS