Great dane

Great Burdock (Arctium lappa), also known as Gobo or Burdock, is a robust biennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been naturalized in many parts of North America.

Description

Great Burdock is characterized by its large, heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers. The plant can reach up to 2 meters in height. Its deep roots are brownish-green or nearly black on the outside.

Cultivation

Great Burdock is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers a well-drained, sandy soil. It is typically propagated by seeds, which are sown in late spring or early summer.

Uses

Great Burdock has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The roots, leaves, and seeds of the plant are used in various herbal remedies. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is known as niúbàng and is used to cleanse the blood, as a diuretic, and to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Great Burdock is also used as a vegetable and is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine. The root is often eaten raw or cooked, and the young shoots can be consumed as a leaf vegetable.

Research

While many of the traditional uses of Great Burdock have not been scientifically validated, some studies suggest that the plant may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

See also

• Burdock
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Asteraceae