Burdock Root

Burdock is a robust plant of Euroasian origin and can grow to very large quickly.  Its taproot is slender but long, and is consumed as a root vegetable in Asia.  Known as gobo in Japan, it is often julienned and sauteed with carrots.  Gobo has a unique earthy flavor.

In addition to its culinary use, burdock root is also dried as a herb.  It is one of the herbs in Essiac, an alternative herbal remedy.  Dried gobo reminds one of burnt wood in a forest.   Infusion made from dried burdock root is earthy and minerally.   It is strong and herbaceous but at the same time it is smooth and sweet.   Use about 1 teaspoon of dried root and steep it for 5 minutes to make a cup of warming infusion.

Gobo may have these medicinal attributes:

• purifying blood 
• removing toxins
• stabilizing blood sugar
• treating skin problems
• improving digestion

Gobo infusion