Harvesting Burdock Seed

[Reverie Farm]

I left a few rows of last year’s burdock to seed this year. There are dangers of harvesting the seed due to the risk of inhaling burr fragments or getting them lodged in delicate tissues. While I will suit up with something like hazmat garb, I am still pondering my methods. While a few resources mention using larger equipment, our farm hasn’t scaled up enough to purchase any of these yet. I’m thinking a good old fashioned stomping/pounding in a tarp and winnow with a box fan. Anyone have thoughts/experiences? Thanks!

[IdahoHerbalist]

Not at that level!!!!

I concur on being VERY careful when working with the seed pods. It is like working with fiberglass insulation.

[KelleyStudent]

I think 7Song’s way of doing it is as good as any:

[IdahoHerbalist]

There are medicinal plants that do similar things with less hassle and danger. Actually, Burdock ROOT is just as good or better.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

IdahoHerbalist wrote: There are medicinal plants that do similar things with less hassle and danger. Actually, Burdock ROOT is just as good or better.

The seeds have some cough suppressing actions that the root lacks. But again, there are better and easier cough suppressant out there as well (wild Cherry bark, mullien etc…).

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[AnnettStudent]

This is what is growing in my yard. It looks like burdock up close but I’ve never seen a burdock look so bushy. Is this really burdock, the one where I should harvest the root?

And, what is the best time to plant burdock seeds? Fall?

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[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

annett wrote: This is what is growing in my yard. It looks like burdock up close but I’ve never seen a burdock look so bushy. Is this really burdock, the one where I should harvest the root?

And, what is the best time to plant burdock seeds? Fall?

Burdock is quite bushy if you’re nice to it. :0)

God plants it in the fall and has had good luck for years.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[AnnettStudent]

I’ve been so busy with harvesting and preparing the garden and yard for winter that I didn’t get to your last post Doc. At some point while I was out getting dirty what you posted came to me too. If that colossal burdock started in fall I can plant some in fall too. So I’ve got a bunch in the ground, hoping for a good harvest next year. It sure was a lot of fun watching burdock grow, before the burrs came out, and I had no idea about it. Then I had so many seeds. Yay for me!! I love learning this way! God was so nice to bring me burdock seeds this year!

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