Burdock:الأرقطيون

 Burdock is a plant related to the daisy family. It is also closely related to Echinacea, Dandelion, and Feverfew. Burdock is an herb, but it has been largely neglected when it comes to attracting attention. In ancient times, the Greeks used the roots, seeds, and greens for healing purposes. Throughout the Middle Ages, burdock was used in both food and medicine. Today, burdock is still used for things like relieving liver problems and digestive disorders. It has also been found to be very effective in cleansing the skin for problems like acne and also to help with digestive problems. To this day, throughout Europe, the stems and greens are still eaten because they hold valuable nutritional and vitamin values. As more and more research is conducted on burdock, many new and interesting discoveries are emerging. The relationship between burdock and its antifungal and antibacterial properties is being investigated, and most importantly, it is showing signs of potential to fight tumors and may be an anti-cancer agent as well. Research has shown that since many carcinogenic compounds are present in almost all foods consumed and stored in human adipose tissue, burdock may be very beneficial in the fight against cancer due to the role it can play in depleting these mutagens. Burdock also helps strengthen the immune system when it is weakened by environmental factors. When combined with other herbs such as dandelion and ginger, it can be a powerful blood purifier. The most unique fact about burdock is that it contains a very high amount of inulin, a natural chemical within the body that mimics the action of insulin. For this reason, burdock has been successful in helping combat hypoglycemia and pre-diabetes. If you look for burdock in the market, you may find it called gobo instead, as that is what some refer to it as. It is often combined with other vegetables or added to tofu. Some boil burdock, while others sauté or stir-fry it. Many have said that looking at burdock before eating it may not be a good idea, as you may change your mind about taking a bite. It looks thick, dark, and woody, but the opposite is true when it comes to taste. Burdock is well known as a health food because it is low in calories and high in fiber. It is also rich in potassium, iron, and calcium. People claim that the taste of burdock is second to none. In other words, it has a taste all its own. The best description people can agree on when it comes to the flavor of burdock is that it is sweet yet earthy, with a soft and crunchy texture. It is often added to stews, soups, and stir-fries. In food form, burdock is considered very nutritious and packed with vitamins, but in the past, burdock was also considered an effective herb for rebalancing the body.