#Nature Awareness 11/7/2013 - Burdock

To most people, Burdock does not offer a particularly pretty sight, though some might be impressed by its sheer size: burdock can grow more than to 5 foot tall and its huge, expansive, heart-shaped leaves can reach over a foot in length. A distinctive and unmistakable plant, burdock certainly ranks among the tallest and most space consuming herbs, sporting extraordinarily big leaves as well as the stickiest burs. Yet, considering its many values, not the least of which is that it gave the inspiration to the invention of Velcro, it appears to be chronically undervalued. Burdock is rarely welcome in any yard, much less in carefully groomed gardens, though at least the bees and butterflies appreciate it for its generous supply of nectar.

Burdock belongs to those special kinds of plants that offer both nutrition and healing benefits, though western cuisine, and for the most part western herbalism has largely ignored this wonderful herb. The Japanese are about the only culture that truly appreciates Burdock as a wholesome, medicinal food - they even produce it commercially and sell it at the market under the name of 'Gobo'. It is rumored that Burdock gives strength and endurance, especially with regard to sexual stamina, which has earned it a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Considering its essential character it is easy to understand why... burdock's overall mode of action can be described as purifying to the body, and especially the blood.

Symbolically, burdock has carried many qualities throughout a number of cultures. For some it has been a symbol of healing and protection, and yet for others it can mean decay and ruin. Typically, for the individual, this will not only depend on their culture but also on their first exposure to the plant and what it meant at that time and in that moment. Burdock is a thistle and most people will have a strong reaction to that type of plant, one way or the other. It is fair to say with most thistles that you either love them or hate them.

Symbolism: strength, endurance, stamina, enrichment, health, wellness, protection, purity, decay, ruin, life/death/life cycle.