{"id":1885,"date":"2020-07-13T10:09:51","date_gmt":"2020-07-13T09:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/84.18.216.250\/~herbalreality\/?post_type=herb&p=1885"},"modified":"2026-01-23T11:25:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T11:25:23","slug":"burdock","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/burdock\/","title":{"rendered":"Burdock"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":3875,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"31d4b1a5-4de5-4954-8e1c-4cad47c2ac22","beyondwords_preview_token":"0bb9fb83-7095-474d-ba23-a2eb82d08794","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"#404: Not Found","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[330,102,61,143],"conditions":[685,699,700,697],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,786,28],"western_action":[1008,989,992,993,996,1001,1004,1006,1007,1013,1014,1016,1021,1025],"chinese_action":[1033,1030],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1498,1512,1505,1382,1520,1523,1488,1494],"writer":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-1885","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-burdock","tag-detox","tag-skin","tag-urinary","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-musculoskeletal-system","conditions-skin","conditions-urinary-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","sense-mucilaginous","western_action-diuretic","western_action-alterative","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-bitter","western_action-cholagogue-and-choleretic","western_action-depurative","western_action-diaphoretic","western_action-hepatic","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-laxative","western_action-stomachic","western_action-vulnerary","chinese_action-clear-heat-and-relieve-toxicity","chinese_action-release-the-exterior-jie-biao","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-cold-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-heart-channel-chinese","energetics_action-lung-channel-chinese","energetics_action-moist","energetics_action-sweet","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20250612","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Burdock is a key traditional European cleansing remedy","latin_name":"Arctium lappa<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Asteraceae","herb_summary":"Burdock has been a traditional remedy for treating inflammatory skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis, due to its purifying and eliminative properties. ","key_benefits":"Eczema, dermatitis and other skin disease\r\nUrinary problems\r\nArthritis","how_does_it_feel":"The taste of burdock root is a mix of slight acridity and slight bitterness, followed by a mucilaginous property. None of these tastes dominate, though overall it is the bitter and mucilaginous properties that linger longest on the palate.<\/span>","hdif_image_1":5499,"hdif_image_2":3878,"hdif_image_3":3876,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/GVQRlB2LYoU","sense":[18,786,28],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_5499\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"506\"]\"Burdock Burdock (Arctium lappa<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn European traditions, burdock is one of the classic blood cleansers or purifiers, also known as <\/span>depurative<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>alterative<\/span><\/a> remedies. Herbs in this category were seen to reduce toxins by increasing metabolic processes of elimination through the liver, kidneys and bowel and have a particular application in the treatment of chronic skin conditions, including <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>psoriasis<\/span><\/a>. The root is most commonly used, however, the seeds have also been used for similar purposes and were the choice remedy particularly among European settlers in North America (1,2).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe European Medicines Agency describes burdock as a traditional herbal medicine to increase urine output, helping to eliminate toxins during minor <\/span>urinary tract infections<\/span><\/a>, for temporary loss of appetite and for the treatment of seborrhoeic skin conditions (seborrheic eczema is associated with blocked sebaceous glands, especially around hair follicles, and is similar to <\/span>acne<\/span><\/a>) (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThese compilations of traditional reputations distil into burdock\u2019s three core actions:\u00a0<\/span>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. As a diuretic to reduce fluid congestion and relieve urinary discomforts.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  2. As a bitter digestive.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  3. As a detox remedy especially in cases of eczema or other skin conditions.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nThe leaves, seeds and root were also used externally, all having a soothing mucilaginous property and in the case of the seeds an oiliness that was highly regarded as a skin tonic. As Culpeper noted: \u201cThe Burdock leaves are cooling and moderately drying\u2026 wherby good for old ulcers and sores\u201d(4).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_3878\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"508\"]\"Burdock Burdock (Arctium lappa<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nBurdock is one of the most notable internal treatments for skin problems in traditional Western herbal medicine. Its powerful eliminatory properties help to detoxify metabolic waste through the urinary and digestive systems. In modern clinical practice, burdock is understood to purify the blood by drawing out toxins into the circulation and reducing inflammation (1). As a result, burdock can sometimes temporarily exacerbate skin problems, a factor which can be mediated by combining it with other strong eliminatory and laxative remedies including <\/span>artichoke leaf<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Cynara scolymus<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>dandelion root<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Taraxacum officinale<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>yellow dock<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Rumex crispus<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>cleavers<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Galium aparine<\/span><\/i>).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nA theory commonly adopted within clinical practice is the understanding that due to the distribution of the body\u2019s fluids as predominantly in the tissues, and a lesser percentage in the plasma (circulation), ingestion of burdock could lead to a theoretical risk for toxaemia. This can result from rapid metabolite movement into clearance mechanisms, which could overwhelm the normal eliminatory processes and result in increased inflammation or an exacerbation of skin reactions (1,5). In order to mitigate this risk, the \u2018drawing\u2019 action of burdock is combined with the eliminatory actions of other cleansing remedies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe advised method to use burdock is to titrate the dosage, starting with a low dose and increasing incrementally, as well as using it in combination with other remedies previously mentioned.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nBurdock was first cited in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) text in 500 CE, burdock seed (<\/span>niu bang zi<\/span><\/i>) belongs to the TCM category of herb, \u201ccool, acrid herbs that release the exterior\u201d. Of the seed and the root, it is typically the seed that is used medicinally in TCM. The root is more commonly used in dietary therapy, particularly in Japan.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNiu bang zi<\/span><\/i> is specifically indicated in cases of exterior wind-heat (e.g., common colds and flus) accompanied by fever and sore, red and swollen throats.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn TCM dermatology, it is used to relieve \u2018toxic heat\u2019 from the skin in cases of red swellings, eczema, acute febrile rashes, mumps and carbuncles. It is also employed to vent rashes in the early stage of measles.<\/span>\r\n\r\nUsed as a seed, burdock is lubricating to the intestines and used in cases of constipation caused by the aforementioned \u2018exterior wind-heat\u2019.\u00a0<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"The root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for relieving congestion and toxicity, with more recent references for its use in treating diabetes (6). The seeds are used in TCM for septic conditions, boils, abscesses, and inflammation in the throat. They are also used as cooling diaphoretic remedies in fever management and a diuretic formerly applied to dropsy and other cases of oedema.<\/span>\r\n\r\nBurdock forms one of the four key ingredients along with sheep sorrel (<\/span>Rumex acetosella<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>slippery elm<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Ulmus rubra<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>rhubarb root<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Rheum officinale<\/span><\/i>) in ESSIAC \u2014 a formulation originally promoted as an alternative cancer treatment by a Canadian nurse Rene Caisse (ESSIAC is her name spelt backwards). This blend is regarded as a powerful cleansing regime (7). <\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

    \"Digestive<\/span><\/h3>\r\nBurdock is a popular and highly valued remedy in Western herbal practice. It is most often applied as a carefully administered component of detoxifying regimes to reduce inflammatory conditions affecting the skin and joints.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

    Immune system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nBurdock is a mild <\/span>diaphoretic<\/span><\/a> (promotes sweating) which also supports effective movement throughout the lymphatic system, an essential aspect of the immune system. This contributes to its effectiveness as a cleanser or purifier by helping to eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Supporting lymphatic flow helps to support the immune response in cases of infection and fluid imbalance. Burdock is often applied by herbalists to stimulate movement in the lymphatic system (1).<\/span>\r\n

    Integumentary system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nBurdock is one of the most effective remedies for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis (8). It is also used in a number of other inflammatory skin conditions; this is largely due to its unique effect on both the liver and the lymphatic system (1,3). It is specific in the treatment of seborrhoeic skin conditions (3).<\/span>\r\n

    Digestive system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nBurdock is a gentle bitter digestive, combining well with <\/span>dandelion<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Taraxacum officinale<\/span><\/i>) to improve appetite and stimulate digestive function especially in recovery from illness (1). Burdock is indicated as an appetite stimulant for anorexia nervosa. Burdock root is rich in inulin and fibre which helps to alleviate constipation and support digestion (9).<\/span>\r\n

    Urinary system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nBurdock exerts its <\/span>diuretic<\/span><\/a> action by increasing urine production and elimination through the urinary system. Through increasing urine output, it helps to facilitate the removal of metabolic waste and can be used to treat minor urinary tract infections and reduce fluid retention (3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

    Endocrine system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nBurdock root has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood glucose levels. This suggests burdock root can be used alongside other herbs to help manage conditions including insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (10).<\/span>\r\n

    Musculoskeletal system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nBurdock has both diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammatory markers in rheumatic conditions including <\/span>osteoarthritis<\/span><\/a>, gout and rheumatoid arthritis . It also helps to reduce oxidative stress, which is a contributing factor to inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis (1,11).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_3875\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"514\"]\"Burdock Burdock (Arctium lappa<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

    Effects of burdock tea on recurrence of colonic diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding: An open-labelled randomised clinical trial<\/h3>\r\nAcute colonic diverticulitis (ACD) is a common gastrointestinal condition, with clinical presentation ranging from mild abdominal pain to peritonitis with sepsis. Colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB) is the most common cause of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in adults. The experimental group received 1.5 g of burdock tea three times a day, and the control group did not receive any treatment. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThere was a lower recurrence of ACD 5\/47 (10.6%) vs 14\/44 (31.8%) in the control group. The recurrence-free duration was also observed in the burdock tea at 59.3 months vs 45.1 months for the control group. This randomised controlled trial demonstrated that daily consistent consumption of burdock tea could be effective for the prevention and reduction of ACD recurrence but not for CDB recurrence (12).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

    Effects of Arctium lappa<\/i> L. (burdock) root tea on inflammatory status and oxidative stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis<\/h3>\r\nA study was conducted on 36 people between 50\u201370 years old suffering from bilateral knee osteoarthritis. They were given three cups a day of burdock root tea (2 g of tea steeped in 150 ml of boiled water for 10 minutes) for six weeks. Blood lipid profiles and blood pressure were measured, and a significant improvement was seen in both parameters. The patients in the burdock group had significantly decreased levels of inflammatory markers (IL-6, hs-CRP and malondialdehyde) with a significant increase in antioxidant activity (13).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

    A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa<\/i> (burdock)<\/h3>\r\nA review of the pharmacological activity of burdock showed it has anti-inflammatory activities via inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and, therefore, inhibition of nitric oxide production. It has also been shown to suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and activate antioxidant enzymes which increases free radical scavenging and decreases oxidative stress. These mechanisms are thought to be the basis of burdock\u2019s anti-inflammatory action and may be responsible for its action in supporting inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and dermatitis (14).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"The well known dandelion and burdock drink originated in Britain from the Middle Ages as a light fermented decoction of the two roots, often associated with the start of spring detoxification. The popular carbonated drink was launched in 1871 in Yorkshire, to become a global commodity in the 20th century (15).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn 1941, burdock was the inspiration for the invention of velcro. A swiss engineer George de Mestral was curious about the way the burrs from burdock were sticking to his dog\u2019s fur, and through examination under a microscope he took inspiration from the hook like structure of the burs to create velcro (16).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is an important\u00a0 herb in one of the most popular TCM formulas, <\/span>yin qiao san<\/span><\/i> (honeysuckle<\/a> and forsythia<\/a> powder), which is taken in cases of colds and flus with fever and sore throats (6). <\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":261153},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"A strong biennial plant extending up to two metres high, marked out by its very large ovate-cordate leaves reaching up to 45 cm across, though getting smaller up the stem; they are generally smooth above and with white cottony down underneath.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe other distinguishing marks are the flowers, borne in clusters at the top of the stems, globular in shape and covered with a dense array of stiff hooked bracts that cling to anything coming in contact; enclosed inside are purple florets, and after fruiting large achenes with a short pappus of stiff hairs on each. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe long root, up to three feet long, runs straight down into the subsoil; when chopped and dried it is covered externally with brown cork and longitudinally wrinkled, the inner surface mealy and buff-white (19).<\/span>","common_names":"