null Skip to main content
Herban Herbalist — Solutions That Support Total Wellbeing. Download the free herbal guide app.

Burdock

← Back to Materia Medica
Burdock Arctium lappa herb illustration

Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Bogdan assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Burdock

Arctium lappa

Family: Compositae  |  Parts Used: Roots, seeds, leaves

Burdock is a deeply nutritive and cleansing herb traditionally valued for its supportive actions on the skin, blood, liver, and lymphatic system. It combines both nutritional and medicinal properties, functioning as both food and medicine. Rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, chromium), inulin, sesquiterpenes, bitter glycosides, flavonoids, and volatile oils.

Integumentary Immune Digestive Endocrine Western TCM Japanese

Traditional Uses

  • Supports skin health (internal and external application)
  • Blood cleansing
  • Liver support
  • Lymphatic cleansing
  • Nutritive supplementation
  • Antioxidant and antidiabetic properties

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

  • Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons herb in 1 cup boiling water, or 1 ounce dried herb in 1 pint water. Take 1 cup three times daily.
  • Tincture: 15-30 drops, three times daily.
  • Poultice: Applied externally for skin conditions.

Cautions

  • May cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions.
  • Avoid during pregnancy as it may stimulate the uterus.
  • May lower blood sugar; use with caution in diabetics.
  • May interact with blood-thinning and diabetes medications.
  • Risk of contamination with belladonna if wild-harvested. Source from reputable suppliers.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to Europe and Northern Asia, now cultivated worldwide. Thrives in US zones 2-10. Prefers rich soil with partial shade but tolerates poor soil conditions.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, p105

Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary Gladstar, p107

Published Research:

Extraction, structure and bioactivities of polysaccharide from root of Arctium lappa | International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2024)

A systematic review on botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Arctium lappa | Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2023)

Phytochemicals and biological activities of Burdock extracts: a review | Chemistry & Biodiversity (2022)

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa | Inflammopharmacology (2011)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

!