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(NaturalNews) As the days get cooler and wild plants seem few and far between, Burdock (Arctium lappa) can still be found in large quantity. Burdock root is a versatile vegetable and one of the finest healing herbs known to cleanse the blood. In Healing with Whole Foods Paul Pitchford writes, "(Burdock) is a virtual cure-all for conditions of excess, and significantly purifies the blood while reducing fat and regulating blood sugar." (1)

In the fall and winter - until the ground freezes - you can harvest burdock root all over North America. Look for first year plants: the wavy green leaves will be in basal rosettes on the ground. You'll find them close to the easier-to-spot dead second year burdock plants which are brown, devoid of leaves and covered with burrs that stick to your clothes or your pet's fur. Harvest the roots from plants that are still green: you'll need a long shovel or spade because burdock sends down a long thick taproot that can be difficult to extract.

In Japan, burdock root is called gobo and is eaten as a vegetable. It can usually be found in Asian groceries or health food stores. The wild or store-bought root can be eaten cooked or raw: added to soups or sauteed with carrots and sesame seeds, or grated in salads and coleslaw. Burdock can also be juiced for a delicious and refreshing healing beverage.

Burdock root can be used medicinally as well. The root can be sliced and dried, then simmered into tea. To make a tincture, steep the fresh root in alcohol. A standard dose is about 30 drops taken twice a day.

Burdock root is considered powerful medicine in both Eastern and Western herbal traditions. In the East burdock is considered bitter and cool. It drains dampness and clears excess heat (or toxins) from the body. In the West burdock is known to cleanse the blood, and is useful in situations such as:

• exposure to environmental toxins such as cigarette smoke or air pollution
  
• parasites in the blood
  
• heavy metals such as mercury, lead or arsenic in the blood
  
• chronic bacterial or viral infections, such as chronic fatigue or Lyme disease
  

• 3 inch piece of burdock root
  
• 1/2 inch piece of ginger root
  
• 3 small apples
  
• 1 leaf of collard, kale or chard (optional, add if you want a green juice)
  
• 1/4 lemon, with skin if organic
  

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