Medicinal Uses
eczema
rashes
boils
sties
abscesses
cuts
burns
sores
dry/ scaly skin
reduces wrinkles
syphilis
venereal diseases
hormone imbalances
psoriasis
atopic dermatitis
cystitis
gout
rheumatoid arthritis
anorexia nervosa
gastrointestinal diseases
gastric ulcers
Burdock root is called for when there is poor secretion of bile, indicated by dry stool and constipation and poor emulsification of fats and oils. With low absorption of lipids there is a shortage of these substances around the body. Burdock is thus associated with dry, scaly skin conditions.
Burdock helps the body to metabolize, store and utilize food, and to eliminate potential toxins from the body more effectively. In other words, burdock is an alterative tonic in the truest sense, as it simply assists the body in doing what it naturally does, but more efficiently.
Balancing and nutritive during pregnancy; helps prevent water retention and jaundice in babies.
Indications
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Heat, dryness, lack of oil.
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Thin, withered appearance with dry skin and scalp.
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Tired, worn-out.
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Dry scalp with red, scaly patches and hair loss.
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Headache, frontal, with dry sinus
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Respiratory conditions with dry mucosa; allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis
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Lack of secretion in the upper gastrointestinal (seed).
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Lack of lubrication in the lower gastrointestinal; constipation (root).
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Poor glandular function; lymphatics, pancreas, endocrine, prostate, liver, spleen.
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Liver and gallbladder congestion; gallstones.
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Blood sugar lability.
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Uterine prolapse; with tired feet.
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Specific for swollen prostate in men who lift weights incorrectly
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Leeches out concretions, kidney stones, arthritis.
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Edema.
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Arthritis, bursitis; better from movement; worse when immobilized.
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Lower part of spine stiff.
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Sciatica; unbearable at night.
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Gout pain.
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Better from movement, exercise, bending, open air; worse from inactivity, closed, warm room.
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Fever with excessive oily sweating and worry
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Profuse underarm sweat.
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Dry or oily skin, acne, eczema, dandruff; boils, abscesses, poison ivy, rashes, itching, measles (leaf externally).
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Retention of water in persons who are generally dry; swelling in the upper thighs and across the belly and the upper eyelids, with bags under the eyes, absence of perspiration, the skin is trying to conserve water.
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Pulse thin.
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Boils, abscesses, carbuncles.
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Single large pimples that are not coming to a head at the surface
Constituents
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Burdock seeds contain arctigenin and arctiin, which possess anti-carcinogenic and anti-viral properties
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Burdock contains oligosaccharide called inulin, also found in dandelion and chicory which is utilized by the burdock plant both as a way to store its own sugars and plays a roll in drought and cold resistance
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Chlorogenic acid, mucilage, sulfurous acetylene compounds, polyacetylenes and bitter guaianolide-type constituents
Very good source of:
Vitamin B6: 0.3 mg (17.6% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3.9 g (13% DV)
Manganese: 0.3 mg (13% DV)
Magnesium: 45 mg (10.7% DV)
Good source of:
Potassium: 363 mg (7.7% DV)
Folate: 27 mcg (6.8% DV)
Iron: 0.9 mg (5% DV)
Also provides:
Phosphorus: 60 mg (4.8% DV)
Vitamin C: 3.5 mg (3.9% DV)
Calcium: 48 mg (3.7% DV)
Vitamin E: 0.5 mg (3.3% DV)
Riboflavin: 0.04 mg (3.1% DV)
Niacin: 0.4 mg (2.5% DV)
Vitamin K: 1.9 mcg (1.6% DV)
Trace amounts:
Thiamin: 0.01 mg (0.9% DV)
Energetics/ Organoleptics
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Bitter, sweet, pungent and oily best suited for dry and atrophic conditions
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The root is sweet, bitter, pungent (warm and oily)
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The seed is bitter, pungent, sweet (warm and diffusive)
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Disperses wind/heat, tonifies qi of kidneys and bladder, stomach, and gallbladder.
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Clears heat and damp, dissolves stagnancy, and raises overall qi.
Contradictions
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Bacterial fermentation of inulin in the large intestine can produce gas
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Burdock may act indirectly as a laxative if taken in large doses
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May cause break outs on the face, which are a result of the first release of toxins through the pores
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May cause allergic reactions in a few people allergic to asteraceae plants.
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Should not be used during pregnancy because of its oxytoxic effect.
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Seeds should not be used in conditions of diarrhea
History
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The genus Arctium comes from the Greek, "arktos", meaning bear. This is a reference to the bristly, bear-like burs of the involucre. The species name, "lappa", also means bur, or thorn, in Latin.
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Burdock, with its brown, fur-like burs, is classified in American Indian medicine as a ‘bear medicine' indicated by the name arctium, from the Greek arctos (bear)
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The discovery of velcro came about when a man by the name of Georges de Mestral was walking his dog and the hooks of burdock burrs stuck to him and his dog.
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Japanese call burdock 'Gobo' and eat it as a vegetable. They believe it offers gifts of longevity and sexual vitality.
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Ayurvedic healers consider burdock root an effective remedy against colds, flu, sore throat, and pneumonia.
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Keep a piece of burdock root in your magical bag to honor one's ability to search for and find nourishment for the deepest parts of oneself.
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In the 1920s, burdock root was an important herbal component of two folk medicine cancer treatment formulas known as the Hoxsey and Essiac formulas
Common Names
Greater burdock, edible burdock, lappa, beggar's buttons, thorny burr, happy major, fox's clote, cockle buttons, love leaves, philanthropium, personata, clot-bu, clothburr, bardana (Spanish), bardane (French), gobō (Japanese), niúbàng (牛蒡) (Chinese), u-eong (우엉) (Korean) and called "Kanëhtuwánës" by the Iroquois
Botanical Name
Arctium lappa
Family
Asteraceae
Parts Used
All parts of the plant can be used for food or medicinal purposes, but the taproot is used most frequently fresh or dried and then re-hydrated. The root is used for chronic conditions and the seed (or fruits) are used for acute.
The seeds/fruits are also used as an effective medicine and is more diuretic and diffusive.
Therapeutic Actions
alterative (a tonic for metabolism “blood cleanser/purifier”)
anti-fungal
anti-carcinogenic
anti-viral
antivenereal
anti-pyretic
anti-allergic
anti-inflammatory
anti-diabetic
prebiotic
liver/ gallbladder stimulant
hepatoprotective
diuretic
diaphoretic (sweat-inducer)
demulcent
emollient
nutritive tonic
stomachic
urinary tonic
detoxification
stimulates appetite
improve bowel function
great free radical scavenging activity
reduction in body weight
Body Systems
1. Digestive system
2. Urinary system
3. Lymphatic system
4. Kidney
5. Liver
6. Immune system
Proper Use
A biennial, the roots are dug at the end of the first year or the beginning of the second. The seeds are harvested just after the end of the second year, before the plant is completely dead. The leaves are sometimes used externally as a poultice. The roots, high in oils, easily go rancid and need to be dried with artificial heat and left in the open air.
The immature stalk can also be harvested before flowering in the late spring of its second year of growth and eaten raw or boiled with salt.
Young leaves may be eaten while they are still tender, and can be used externally as a poultice. If the leaves are made into a hot water infusion, they can become mucilaginous and demulcent and a great digestive tonic.
A tea or decoction of any part of the plant can be used externally on many common skin ailments like eczema, rashes, boils, and cuts and the leaves is as a poultice or salve for burns or sores.
Burdock works very slowly and deeply. Small doses over long periods of time are recommended, however the seeds may be more forgiving in digestion. A decoction is also possible, but stomach upset and gas can occur if too much is ingested.
Tinctures or extracts are a great way to preserve fresh burdock root, instead of drying. The antioxidant caffeoylquinic acid, and the prebiotic inulin are both soluble in alcohol and water, so a low to medium alcohol solution (anywhere from 25 to 60% alcohol) will make a shelf-stable extract. One to two full droppers, 1-2 times per day, increasing the dose if you don’t experience any adverse effects.
Burdock root is commonly included in Asian cuisine. It can added to a stir-fry and used as a substitute for carrot. It provides a mild sweet, earthy, and slightly sesame-like flavor.
Store fresh burdock in root cellar like carrots and they will maintain their integrity all winter long.
The seeds of burdock are collected in the fall and can be sprouted and eaten as a bitter green leaf.
Formulary
Dandelion and Burdock was a popular non-alcoholic fermented beverage in Britain in the Middle Ages and is still a great and healthy beverage consumed today.
Mix a little burdock decoction with other nutrient-rich, tonic herbs like nettles, dandelion, oatstraw or moringa.
1 lb - Burdock root
1/2 lb - Yellow dock root
1/2 lb - Yarrow
1.2 lb - Parsley roots and leaves
4 oz - Comfrey
Boil all in eight quarts of water until the liquid is reduced down to one gallon. Drink 8 oz three times a day.
Burdock extracts well in alcohol. Brandy brings out the nice bittersweet flavor. Dose: 3-60 drops, 1-3x/day.
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The dried root and seeds may be used by decoction as a tea.
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Burdock's fibrous root can be cooked and used as a fall food source.
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Leaves and stalks can be pickled.
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Tinctures can be made with water or alcohol and the dry burdock root.
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Oil is derived from the seed and makes a great shelf stable tincture or fluid extract.
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Leaves can be used as an external poultice as well as prepared as an infusion.
Burdock Kinpira (Courtesy of Chichi Wang)
When shopping for burdock, choose plump, crisp roots, gently scrub to remove dirt, and briefly soak in acidulated water (one teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar to one liter water) to prevent browning or oxidation. To store, wrap in a damp paper towel, refrigerate, and use within a week.
Ingredients:
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2 burdock roots approximately one foot in length
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon sake or mirin
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2 tablespoons sugar
Directions:
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Wash and peel burdock root. Cut the root into four-inch segments, the quarter lengthwise. Place the prepared root in acidulated water to prevent discoloration.
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Place a sauté pan over medium heat and add the oil. Sauté root for four to six minutes until lightly browned.
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Add soy sauce, sake, and sugar to pan. Simmer for five minutes, until the root is cooked through but still crunchy. Serve at room temperature or cold.
Cultivation
Burdock is a large herb, classified in the sunflower or aster family (Asteraceae, formerly Compositae). Originally from Eurasia, it has quickly spread throughout the world.
Burdock is biennial, meaning it has a two-year life cycle. It will put out basal leaves in the spring of its first year, and gather energy in its roots – mainly one, long taproot, like a carrot. During the following winter, the basal leaves will die back leaving only the long taproot underground. In their second year, they will start their season by sprouting more basal leaves, and then put out a tall, erect and branching stock, which can reach up to 3 meters in height (the average is about 1 to 2 meters).
Burdock likes nitrogen-rich soil, and reacts very well to fertilizer. It’s best propagated from seed in early to mid summer, and harvested before the roots get too fibrous in the late fall of their first year.
The seeds take 6-10 days to germinate and sown into ground in August.
Burdock grows wild all around the world in temperate, sub-tropical, and Mediterranean climates. It likes full to partial sun.
Roots are best dug up in the late summer or fall of their first year (August-November) when they’re still young and tender, as they will get more fibrous and harder once winter sets in. They are biennials, so they won’t flower in their first year.
The leaves can be harvested anytime, but the newer growth is more tender and desirable.
Research & References
Maruta, Y., Kawabata, J., and Niki, R. (1995). Antioxidative caffeoylquinic acid derivatives in the roots of burdock (Arctium lappa L.). J. Agric. Food Chem., 1995, 43 (10), pp 2592–2595, doi:10.1021/jf00058a007
Ahangarpour A, Heidari H, Oroojan AA, Mirzavandi F, Nasr Esfehani K, Dehghan Mohammadi Z. (2017). Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa root’s hydro-alcoholic extract on nicotinamide-streptozotocin induced type 2 model of diabetes in male mice. Avicenna J Phytomedicine. 2017;7(2):169-179
Marian, B.,Dobre, A. and Rodino, S. (2013). TESTING OF THE ANTIFUNGAL EFFECT OF EXTRACTS OF BURDOCK, THYME AND ROUGH COCKLEBUR. Studia Universitatis 23.1 (2013): 65-69. Web.
Chan, YS, Cheng, LN, Wu, JH, et al. (2011). A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology. 2011;19(5):245-254.
da Silva, LM, Allemand, A, Mendes, D, et al. (2013). Ethanolic extract of roots from Arctium lappa L. accelerates the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer in rats: Involvement of the antioxidant system. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;51:179-187. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2012.09.026.
Duke, JA, Duke, P. (1997). Common burdock: Arctium minus (Hill) Bernh; Family Asteraceae. HerbalGram. 1997;39:87.
Kolacz, NM, Jaroch, MT, Bear, ML, Hess, RF. (2014). The effect of Burdock leaf therapy on burn-injured Amish patients: a pilot study measuring pain levels, infection rates, and healing times. J Holist Nurs. 2014;32(4):327-40.
Kuo, D, Hung, M, Hung, C, et al. (2012). Body weight management effect of burdock (Arctium lappa L.) root is associated with the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in human HepG2 cells. Food Chem. 2012;134(3):1320-1326. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.03.023
Lee, DH, Seo, ES, Hong, JT, et al. (2013). The efficacy and safety of a proposed herbal moisturising cream for dry skin and itch relief: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial- study protocol. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013;13(1):330. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-330
Li, XM, Miao, Y, Su, QY, Yao, JC, Li ,HH, Zhang, GM. (2016). Gastroprotective effects of arctigenin of Arctium lappa L . on a rat model of gastric ulcers. Biomedical Reports. 2016;5:589-594. doi:10.3892/br.2016.770
Lin, SC, Lin, CH, Lin ,CC, et al. (2002). Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa Linne on liver injuries induced by chronic ethanol consumption and potentiated by carbon tetrachloride. J Biomed Sci. 2002 Sep-Oct;9(5):401-409.
Maghsoumi-Norouzabad, L, Alipoor, B, Abed, R, Eftekhar, B. (2016). Effects of Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) root tea on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. 2016;19(3):255-261.
Moerman D. (1998). Native American Ethnobotany. Portland, OR: Timber Press; 1998.
Onakpoya, I J; Spencer, E A Thompson, M J, Heneghan, C J. (2014). The effect of chlorogenic acid on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Human Hypertension 29: 77–81. doi:10.1038/jhh.2014.46. PMID 24943289. Retrieved 5 October 2014.
Reiman MT, Neely AN, Boyce ST, et al. (2014). Amish burn ointment and burdock leaf dressings: assessments of antimicrobial and cytotoxic activites. J Burn Care Res. 2014;35(4):e217-23.
Szczawinski, A.F., Turner, N.J. (1978). Edible Garden Weeds of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences.
Wang, P, Solorzano, W, Diaz, T, Magyar, CE, Henning, SM, Vadgama, JV. (2017). Arctigenin inhibits prostate tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Clin Nutr Exp. 2017;13:1-11. doi:10.1016/j.yclnex.2017.04.001.
Wang C. (2010). Seriously Asian: Burdock Root Recipe. Serious Eats website. May 2010. Available at www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/05/seriously-asian-stir-fried-burdock-root-kinpira-pickled-burdock-recipe.html
Zhao, Y., Wang, J., Ballevre, O., Luo, H., Zhang, W. (2011). Antihypertensive effects and mechanisms of chlorogenic acids. Hypertension Research = Hypertens Res 35 (4): 370–4. doi:10.1038/hr.2011.195. PMID 22072103.