Geograph - photograph every grid square

Burdock growing by the River Avon

This plant was included in Hippocrates' list of useful plants. It has been found to contain antibiotic substances which aid resistance to infection and can help to cure skin complaints.

In spring, country people whose diet had been deficient in vitamins over the winter months used to make a drink made from burdock and dandelion roots which acted as a blood purifier and cleared up skin troubles.

I think dandelion and burdock is still available as a fizzy drink.

The very young stalks may be peeled and chopped into salads and later can be cooked as a vegetable.