Burdock and Dandelion Roots have many similar benefits, and some key differences which make them excellent, supportive compliments to one another.  Both provide nutrients and other supportive constituents for the entire digestive, urinary, and lymph systems.  These are the systems and organs responsible for blood filtration, nutrient and waste transit, and final waste disposal from the body.  It is the support of these internal systems and processes which has earned these herbs their misnomer as “blood purifiers.”  In truth, the herbs are not cleansing the blood, but they are providing the body with the supplies it needs to do the work it is already evolved to perform.  Additionally, Burdock and Dandelion both contain the nutrients needed for the production of new blood, and contain constituents which can assist to encourage that production process as well.  

Combined, Burdock and Dandelion Root can provide the complete known essential vitamin spectrum and many of the essential trace minerals. Dandelion makes up for Burdock’s lack of vitamins D and E.  Both are also excellent sources of Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Sulfur, and Zinc.  Dandelion is especially rich in the electrolyte minerals, particularly Sodium, Potassium, and Magnesium, making it excellent for supporting overall fluid and electrolyte balance without stripping the body of its Potassium like many fluid balancing herbs.

The roots of these herbs are also naturally rich in fiber, particularly inulin, a soluble, low-glycemic, prebiotic.  Burdock root is composed of anywhere from 30-45% inulin.  In general, fibers play a vital role in nutrient and waste transit through the intestinal tract.  In the early stages of digestion, fibers help to buffer and/or aid the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream.  In the colon, fibers bind to waste products being sent there by the blood filtration organs and other waste disposal systems and carry those substances out of the body. 

The entirety of Dandelion has been consumed as food in addition to its topical and internal applications.  On the other hand, Burdock’s aerial parts have been used mainly for external applications, and the root has been consumed as both food and an herbal supplement.  Dandelion greens can often be found in the produce section of many grocery stores while Burdock root may only be found fresh under the name “gobo” root in some specialty import grocery stores.