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Burdock Root (gobo) Benefits (Ayurveda Insights)
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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CONSTITUTIONAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS

Bitter detoxicant, Cold vasodilator, depurative, alterative, astringent diuretic. Stimulates kidneys to eliminate uric acid. like dandelion root but not a potassium diuretic

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Is Burdock Root (Gobo) a Good Match for My Body?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Burdock Root (Gobo)' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

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Constitutional nutrition is tailored to the individual. In the kitchen, especially during your family’s formative years, you shape your family's lifelong health.

Understanding your child's constitution is key to raising resilience, instead of wiring in disease. Study constitutional medicine to discover the keys to personalized nourishment.

Rooted in the insights curated from Ayurveda and Greek medicine, constitutional medicine teaches you which foods match your body, so you and your family have true vitality, strength, and balance. See How it Works.

Medicinal Effects of Burdock Root (Gobo)

Constitutional nutrition systems use biocharacteristics to classify the metabolic nature of food, hebs, lifestyle choices, your body, and disease.

METABOLIC NATURE / BIOCHARACTERISTICS

Metabolic Nature / Biocharacteristics

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (vital qualtiies). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

ASTRINGENT

ABOUT ASTRINGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ASTRINGENT

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

AYURVEDA BODY TYPES (DOSHAS)

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Vata aggravating

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A Phlegmatic has a cold and wet metabolic nature. The coldness implies a slow metabolism, the moisture that you are well-nourished. Phlegmatics tend towards sluggishness and thickened fluids, including mucus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

A hot and oily nature with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body makes Sanguine individuals vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other Health Virtues

Subtaste:
Bland Negative Calorie
Tissue (dhatu):
Red Blood

RED-BLOOD

Red blood (Rakta Dhatu) includes red blood cells and blood vessels.

SEE ALL 'RED-BLOOD' FOODS / HERBS

Affinity:
Liver Gallbladder
Family:
Asteraceae

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Burdock Root (Gobo)
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Bowel Health:
General Laxative

GENERAL-LAXATIVE

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives.

SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Cleanse & Detox:
Internal Detoxicant

STRONG INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality:
Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care & Beauty:
Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vulnerary

MILD VULNERARY

An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic).

SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antimicrobial

ANTIMICROBIAL

An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals.

SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Alterative

STRONG ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Kidney & Urinary:
Diuretic

STRONG DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:
Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Livotonic

LIVOTONIC

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.

SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Weight Loss:
Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive Health:
Testosteronic

STRONG TESTOSTERONIC

Androgenic. Stimulates testosterone.

SEE ALL 'TESTOSTERONIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Anti Estrogenic

ANTI-ESTROGENIC

Reduces estrogen, which reduces thickness of the uterus endometrium, pelvic congestive disorders like fibroids, and frequently dysmenorrhea as well.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-ESTROGENIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Carbohydrate,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Burdock Root (Gobo)

  • Dandelion Leaves

    Dandelion Leaves has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Anti-estrogenic, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Antimicrobial, General-laxative

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Testosteronic, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Vulnerary, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic, Nutritive

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, General-laxative, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antimicrobial, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary, Alterative, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic

    Garlic has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, General-laxative, Alterative, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic (raw)

    Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Hypolipidemic, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Cholagogue, General-laxative, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Endive

    Endive has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, General-laxative, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Kale

    Kale has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-estrogenic, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Radish (raw)

    Radish (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Hypolipidemic, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Cholagogue, General-laxative, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Burdock Root (Gobo)

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Livotonic, Anti-estrogenic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Neem Leaf

    Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-estrogenic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Yarrow

    Yarrow has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Livotonic, Anti-estrogenic, Vulnerary, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhumyamalaki

    Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Diuretic, General-laxative, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Livotonic, Alterative

    LEARN MORE

  • Calendula, Marigold

    Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Goldenseal

    Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

    Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diuretic, General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhringaraj

    Bhringaraj has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Livotonic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Vulnerary

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative

    LEARN MORE

  • Mahasudarshan

    Mahasudarshan has these Actions in Common

    Antimicrobial, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Livotonic, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Guduchi

    Guduchi has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Livotonic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Cornsilk

    Cornsilk has these Actions in Common

    Nutritive, Vulnerary, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Burdock Root (Gobo) may temper these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Burdock Root (Gobo) may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Burdock Root (Gobo). Please see your health care provider for more information.

View other ingredients
for Spring

Burdock Root (Gobo) is recommended for Spring. Check out these other Spring foods here.
VIEW ALL SPRING FOODS MORE FOODS FOR PITTA / KAPHA MAIN INGREDIENT PAGE

Constitutional Nutrition: Strengthen Your Health Naturally

When your dietary choices align with your individual nature (constitution), it supports your metabolism, energy, and health naturally. A personalized diet, fitting to your constitution, leverages your natural strengths while gently supporting your body where it's vulnerable.

Constitutional nutrition is especially beneficial for digestion, a foundational pillar of health influencing your entire well-being. Balanced digestion fortifies your body's natural defenses against illness and enhances your resilience when illness does arise. A healthy digestive fire (*agni*) eases discomfort, speeds recovery, and naturally uplifts your mood.

By embracing constitutional nutrition, you will soon experience a profound sense of renewal, vitality, and inner strength.

CONTINUE READING

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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle through constitutional nutrition (Ayurveda & Greek Medicine). His approach is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 8 kids live in Asheville, NC

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Comments & Impressions of 'Burdock Root (gobo)'

Do you like 'burdock root (gobo)'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'burdock root (gobo)'?

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 1 rating, 192 likes
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Rose Aldrow Buffalo, NY
2014-03-12
“What is Burdock Root? What does it look like? How does it taste? Do you cook it or eat it raw?"
Like Reply
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2016-09-07
“Burdock root is dark brown on the outside and white on the inside. It has an earthy taste. You cook it in soups or stews."
Like Reply
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.