How to Prepare Burdock

Burdock, arctium lappa, is native to Europe and belongs to the daisy family. While it

is a key herbal remedy to treat diverse health conditions, the leaves, stem, flower and root of the burdock are edible and can also be consumed as food.

Things You'll Need

• Burdock root, leaves, stem, flowers and seeds
• Hot water
• Oil
• Vinegar
• Egg white

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Instructions

Culinary

• 1

  Burdock leaves, stem and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Carefully peel the tough and bitter outer rind of the burdock stem. Thinly slice the stem along with the leaves and flowers. Sprinkle oil and vinegar over the chopped burdock and serve raw as a salad.

• 2

  Boil the sliced tender pith of the young burdock stem, leaves and flowers, and add it to soups. Alternately, you can steam the leaves and flowers and prepare it as a vegetable, just the way you would with spinach or asparagus.

• 3

  The burdock root has a bland taste, and you can boil, bake, roast or fry it. For an interesting taste, marinate the burdock root with a marinade of your choice. The Kitchen Doctor website recommends substituting the burdock rook for the carrot.

Medicinal

• 4

  Use burdock as a poultice to heal burn injuries and other external wounds. Combine a crushed burdock leaf with 1 stiffly beaten egg white; place it in a piece of cloth, and use as a poultice. Apply this poultice to the affected area, and replace it at least 2 to 3 times a day.

• 5

  Prepare a decoction by boiling burdock seeds in water until it is half the original quantity, and drink it to cure colds, sore throats and coughs.

• 6

  Treat acne and other fungal skin infections like athlete's foot and the ringworm with a burdock wash. Boil the burdock root in water and wash the affected areas with this water.