This special marinade is something that can be added in small quantities as a side to regular salads. If you are unfamiliar with these ingredients, especially the burdock root, be sure to test small amounts to be sure it agrees with you. Both of these special ingredients have definite medicinal properties!
For a while now, I’ve been interested in burdock root, and ways to incorporate it into the diet. I didn’t want to have to juice it- I wanted to find a way to use the whole entire root. I was excited to find it quite soft, slightly sweet, and gummy to the feel- meaning it could be eaten as a whole and could absorb liquid if soaked in a marinade!
Burdock root has especially been used by traditional Chinese, Indian and Japanese healers. It has often been used to purify the blood by removing toxins that can build up in blood- helping with skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. In India it has been cited to have anti-cancer properties, though there are probably no organized or documented studies on this.
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 has slightly laxative qualities, as well as being antibacterial and antifungal.
Burdock root has Para-Amino Benzoic Acid (PABA), which is uncommon to find in a food source. This type of PABA is great for maintaining and reviving hair color and firmness of skin, producing folic acid, and aids in the metabolism of blood and protein formation.
Shiitake mushrooms are healing, strengthening and restorative foods. They have been used medicinally by the Chinese for more than 6,000 years.
Shiitake mushrooms contain an active compound called lentinan. Among lentinan’s healing benefits is its ability to power up the immune system, strengthening its ability to fight infection and disease.
Lentinan, which is technically classified as a polysaccharide and referred to as a branched beta-glucan, has also been shown to have anti-cancer activity. When lentinan was given for human gastric cancer, reticular fibers developed in tumor sites. Reticular cells, which are spread throughout the body in various tissues, are immune cells that have the ability to ingest (phagocytose) bacteria, particulate matter, and worn out or cancerous cells. When lentinan was administered, not only was there a proliferation of reticular cells in gastric tumor sites, but many T lymphocytes (another type of immune defender) were drawn to these cancer sites, and the cancer cell nests were destroyed.
Another active component in shiitake mushrooms is something called eritadenine, which lowers cholesterol levels. It also contains L-ergothioneine, which is a very powerful antioxidant. Another dish that pairs really well is my cauliflower soup recipe, yummy!
Medicinal Marinade with Shiitake and Burdock Root
Makes about 4 servings, and will keep in the fridge covered for 2-3 days.
Ingredients
- - 4 stalks of burdock root sliced into pieces about a 1/4 inch thick
- - 2 large shiitake mushrooms cut into small strips
- - 4 Tbs. low-sodium gluten-free Tamari
- - 1 Tbs. raw apple cider vinegar
- - 1/8 tsp. Celtic sea salt
- - 4 drops Liquid Stevia
- - 2 Tbs. sesame seeds ground
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl large enough to mix the marinade together well.
- Marinate in fridge for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The apple cider vinegar will help “cook” the shiitake mushrooms and burdock root, without really cooking them. :)
- Serve as a small side to a large salad or the rest of your meal.
- Chew well, and relish in being able to enjoy potent, authentic medicine from nature that will cleanse and heal your body in a natural way.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was on Instagram!
Enjoy opening your repertoire to these new and exciting ingredients! :-)
Love,
Kimberly
First of all happy birthday, second I am such a huge fan of burdock root, I have it as tea. I would love to know where you found it fresh?!
Thank you, nicole
Where can I find burdock root? I live in NYC can I get it at Whole Foods? Thanks!
Yes you can!
where do you get burdock root?
I have been a long time follower on your blog and I always look forward to what new tidbits you’ll tell us about. I have learned a lot and really think it’s a wonderful thing that you do. I was wondering instead of the Tamari if I could substitue in Brigs Amino Acid (like soy sauce). And also what you think about it?
Thanks!
ps. Congrats on your new found time having left Envision Beauty. It is a great product as I’ve already gone through 3 bottles. =)
Hi Michelle, you can use Braggs Amino Acid for sure, which is wheat and gluten-free. :)
I cant wait to try this recipe. I was just wondering if you peel the burdock root or are you just cleaning it really well and then adding it?
Thanks!
PS Happy Birthday!
HI Christine, this time ’round, I ate the whole root! Interesting…. and certainly, um, earthy. :)
burdock root can be found in your local herb shop, or if you know your great outdoors it can be found growing outside in the northeast. It is part of the Essiac anti-caner formula
Thanks Chris! Yes I found the burdock root at Wholefoods. They actually labeled it as something else- Goga root?? Have you heard of that?
Kim just curious….what eyeliner do you use? I am in search of a “healthy black eyeliner” something that I can even line the inside of the rim of my eyes and feel confident that it is not hurting my body!!!! I know this is totally off topic but I have been on a mission to find this haha!
Hi Lisa! I like the Organic Physcian’s line formula. What really scares me is the stuff that gets slathered all over the face like foundation- eek! I wear very, very sparingly. :)
Hi Kimberly!
I just saw your blog and found it very helpful!So first I would like to congratulate you for such a nice blog!
I try to have a very healthy diet (mainly vegetarian and macrobiotic).
But from what I understood here, you support the idea that raw
food is healthier, right?
I can understand why, but you do not eat any cooked food?
Thank you,
Susana
I followed your recipe and it was so delicious. I must admit I was nervous because the look and smell wasn’t appealing but it blended right in with my meals. It also made my bowel movements great!! My question is how often do I include this mix in my diet?
It has been found that there are many natural remedies to help calm the symptoms of eczema. One of the most popular ones is Aloe Vera. Aloe is awesome for the skin and will help you to feel much better.
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
should this recipe be avoided for your blossoming beauties because of mushrooms mold causing properties? or to the pro out weight the cons on this one?
you’re the best kim!