Burdock Root

Scientific name

Arctium lappa

Family

Arctium lappa

📷

Background

Also called lappa, clotbur, thorny burr, cockle buttons, beggar’s buttons

Burdock may be identified by its short, stocky branches that tend to spread 2 to 6 feet, with large, coarse, heart-shaped leaves. The fruit of this herb shows round purple flowers surrounded by spikey bracts. Burdock usually grows prominent in in wastelands and woods. Nettle is often the partnering herb.

Applicable parts used

Roots, seeds, and leaf

Sentiment

Importunity, touch me not

Effects

Organs & systems affected

Renal (kidneys)

Gastrointestinal (liver)

Integument (skin)

Flower essence

Helps to release intense anger and frustration

Mechanism of action

Alterative, tonic, diuretic, cholagogue, diuretic, "blood purifier", antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplatelet, hormonal, immunologic, antitussive, and antifungal.

Nature

Bitter, sweet and cooling

Plant constituents

Bitter glycosides, flavonoids, polysaccharides, antibiotic substances, vitamins a and c, minerals, and arctiin

Traditional uses

Orally used to support and tone the liver, cleanse the blood, clear skin breakouts, and improve gallbladder and liver function.

Additional uses: anorexia nervosa, gastrointestinal (gi) complaints, arthritis, high blood sugar, bladder bacteria, high blood pressure, colds and acne and psoriasis. Topically, burdock is used for wrinkles, dry skin, acne, psoriasis, and eczema

Safety

Precaution & adverse reactions

Allergic reaction in those allergic to plants from the asteraceae/compositae family.

Interactions

Anti platelets and diabetics

Pregnancy and lactation

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Dosing

Herbal infusion: 1-2 tsp per cup, 10-12 minutes covered, 1-3 times per day

Tincture: 15-25 drops, 1-3 times per day

Condition specific:

· Wrinkled skin: an emulsion with burdock fruit extract 1.2% standardized to 0.25% arctin has been applied to the face twice daily for 4 weeks

Our favorite pairings

Dandelion root, yellow dock root, etc

Disclaimer: the information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded throughout history. With the information provided on this website, we wish to begin the journey to educate the community based on research, african holistic health, and herbal science. This information, in no shape or form, is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or make claims against products or companies. This information provided on this site is to make public information and information acquired from research studies easily available to you. Rooted vigor, llc is giving you the opportunity to draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions from the information provided. The information on this website may or may not have been evaluated by the fda. Seek advice from a medical practitioner as necessary.

References

Https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.ezproxy.fau.edu/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=111#dosing

Pursell, jj. The herbal apothecary: 100 medicinal herbs and how to use them. Timber press. Kindle edition.