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Garden Gate:  Trying to ID a weed  |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 29 2007 : 4:48:25 PM
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It grows tall- like 1.5 meters and starts out kind of looking like rhubarb. It then gets a woody stem, deep root system and creates round burrs. Any ideas?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2007 : 5:43:49 PM
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If it smells really bad it might be Datura or Jimpson Weed. The whole plant is toxic and the pods break open and have little seeds about the size of okra seeds or a little smaller. these also have big white flowers
Might also be cockleburr. these have pods that stick to everything like velcro, and are impossible to get out of pet hair,,,,or your own hair for that matter!
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 29 2007 : 10:47:41 PM
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I will take a picture this week. The burrs grow where the flowers should be- there aren't any pods. It get burrs like cocle burrs but the leaves aren't maple shaped. They are big almost plantain looking leaves (or like rhubarb)
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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herbquilter
True Blue Farmgirl
891 Posts
Kristine
Bonney Lake
Wa
USA
891 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2007 : 05:51:57 AM
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Sounds like burdock to me.
Blessings,
Kristine ~ Mother of Many & Herbalist
www.herbalmomma.com
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2007 : 06:10:34 AM
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I'm betting on burdock, too.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2007 : 12:57:05 PM
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OH MY GOSH! Yes! That is the foul nasty stuff I have in the yard! How do I kill it?! It is invading everywhere and poor Sky comes in absolutly COVERED in those nasty burrs!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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DaisyFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
1646 Posts
Diane
Victoria
BC
Canada
1646 Posts |
Posted - Jul 30 2007 : 1:15:58 PM
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And now I know what I have too!! You're right Alee and Anna, there is nothing quite like the velcro burrs that this thing produces and they are no friend to a golden retriever!
Di |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2007 : 08:53:38 AM
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Gee, I have some of that growing in my field, too, where I throw old branches and yard cuttings.
Babs, what can you tell us about using burdock?
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
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Beemoosie
True Blue Farmgirl
2077 Posts
Bonnie
New York
USA
2077 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2007 : 12:04:16 PM
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I read that it was good as a blood cleanser? But I am not sure how to prepare it. I wouldn't mind trying it if I was sure it wasn't going to poison me or Nora! LOL
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2007 : 12:32:10 PM
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Here is info from the site I referenced above:
"Burdock root has often been used to purify the blood by removing toxins that can build up in blood. It can be taken orally or used topically as a remedy for skin disorders. Also, burdock root can be a diuretic or soothe aching joints. Traditional Chinese healers used burdock root in combination with other plants to make cures for colds, measles, throat pain, and tonsillitis. Burdock root was also popular in Japan as a source of vitamins and other nutrients. In modern times, burdock root has been employed in the treatment of certain cancers. However, this use of burdock root still needs to be systematically tested.
Historically, the seeds of the burdock plants were compressed to make a mixture that was effective in cleansing the bloodstream, easing pain from arthritis, and treating gout, rheumatism, ulcers, acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Its cancer-curing properties were also utilized in Russia and India. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and found it effective in treating barrenness and impotence.
Burdock’s active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. The seeds of the plant contain beneficial fatty acids. The oil from the seeds can be used as a diaphoretic, which leads to increased perspiration, which is essential in cleansing the body of toxins or harmful elements. According to traditional healers, diaphoretics are integral to treating influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders, and to aid the kidneys which purify the blood.
Burdock root is eaten as a vegetable in many places. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock can be used as a gentle laxative and help eradicate uric acid. Some of the active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, which are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals. Burdock enhances the performance of many of the organs which purify the body and eliminate toxins or waste (like the kidneys, liver, colon, etc). This enhances overall health and helps correct disorders.
Burdock is easily obtainable as an ingredient in teas, ointments, or pills. It is a powerful diuretic, and is safe to be taken internally, externally, or as food. However, it is important to make sure that the herb is pure. Some reports have indicated that burdock could have toxic properties, since cases of illness were reported that involved burdock tea. However, further analysis showed that the negative effects were the result of impure burdock root. Some belladonna, which contains atropine, had contaminated the burdock root. It is important to look at the source and purity of burdock root before obtaining it."
I talked to my herb guy and he specifically mentioned uses for skin problems.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 01 2007 : 12:39:55 PM
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Tasha- Some of the things I was reading were mentioning eating the root: Do you know how to prepare it and did you herb guy say whether it is safe for nursing moms?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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babs
True Blue Farmgirl
226 Posts
Babette
MN
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2007 : 01:09:12 AM
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Alee, the book "Healing Wise" by Susun Weed has a great article on burdock. I thumbed across it earlier today and made a mental note to mention it to you. I HIGHLY recc'mend that book for every woman. :) I loaned out my copy and now need another one. I really have to stop loaning my dang books.
If you are looking for recipes try using the search term "Gobo". That is the Japanese term for this plant and they "have as many recipes for it as they have cooks". This should get you started: http://kitara.livejournal.com/71237.html -nice and basic. :)
Rest assured there is nothing in burdock that will hurt you or Nora. It's good stuff, maynard. Well, I don't know how much rest you'll get, its also good for .. ahem.. stamina. :)
If anyone has it growing in abundance, eat it. Freeze some or dry it for winter. Put it on your plate and keep it in your cupboards. This is one of those rare plants that you really can't over do.
Hey Jo :) This plant has been speaking to me since last summer and I have been shushing it. It whispers "you need me, eat me, tincture me, dry me"... and I close my ears and busy myself somewhere else. Chickweed too. They are noisy nieghbors that seem to have themselves preoccupied with my finer workings. I think plants that grow by your front door grow there for a reason. I think certain things are drawn to you, or.. the earth can and does provide for you if you have the courage to recieve it. I think if you have burdock growing by your front door and it speaks to you you should get over yourself and eat it. And I think I should very much take my own advice (I fear before I'm given bad news).
Burdock is a cleanser. I think it's one of the best herbal allies we could be gifted with. It's a PITA to dig, but so so so worth it. It will help remove heavy metals and I have heard it can help reverse or stop mutagenic activity that leads to cancer. I don't know if this is completely true, (please consult your doctor before going off any treatment).
It's also good for skin ailments, acne, cold sore breakouts, any sort of blemish. Just take a fresh slice and rub it right on. If you take it internally as a tea, it may take a couple months for you to see any sort of improvement. The affects are cumulative so don't get discouraged and stop early.
Thats all.. but it's late, I may have more tomorrow. :)
Babs
Laundry Soap at Etsy: www.mugwortmaggies.etsy.com
Connect to me on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/mugwortmaggie
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2007 : 09:12:42 AM
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Hey Bonnie,
I also know folks who would eat "poke salad" too! As in pokeweed!!!
Sorry, but anything that has to be boiled and go through 3 water changes....what's the point! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2007 : 09:30:06 AM
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I will have to ask my neighbor about gobo- She is japanese :)
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Aug 02 2007 : 8:37:36 PM
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| Alyssa, Burdock Root is one of nature's most valuable medicines! I know Burdock can be a pest, but if where it's growing has been free from contaminants for as long as anyone can remember, then you might want to dig up several plants, clean and dry the roots, and store them for decoctions. |
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2007 : 05:37:17 AM
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My dad spends months durring the summer trying to get rid of burdock and I have been know to pay money to get it! Talk about irony.
Trina
http://glitteringgoat.blogspot.com/
If you would know Love, you must know pain too. -Hannah Hurnard |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2007 : 11:25:09 AM
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Gosh Trina- I have plenty here- If I knew I could send it to you and it be food safe I would send it, but I am not sure how to dry it properly.
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
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tribalcime
True Blue Farmgirl
2963 Posts
lisa
lexington
ky
USA
2963 Posts |
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Garden Gate: Trying to ID a weed |
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Trying to ID a weed
