Burdock

Effects and Benefits

Core Identification

Common Names:
- Burdock
- Great Burdock
- Greater Burdock
- Gobo (Japanese)
- Lappa
- Clotbur
- Beggar's Buttons
- Cockle Buttons
- Thorny Burr
- Bardana
- Niu Bang Zi (Chinese)
- Lopuh (Russian)

Latin Name: Arctium lappa (Asteraceae [daisy] family); Arctium minus (Lesser Burdock) used interchangeably

Category: Herb

Historical Note: Burdock was first listed in Chinese medicine in Ming I Pieh Lu (502 AD). In medieval Germany, Hildegard of Bingen used burdock to treat tumors. In 14th century Europe, a combination of burdock and wine was used to treat leprosy. The Assyrians used it more than 2,500 years ago.

Uses

Traditional Uses

• Blood purifier and alterative - Chinese medicine, 1,500+ years; Western herbalism, ancient
• Liver and gallbladder support - European and Chinese traditional medicine
• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, boils, acne) - European folk medicine; Ayurvedic medicine
• Kidney tonic and diuretic - Traditional Western herbalism; Native American adoption
• Rheumatism and gout - European folk medicine; Native American use
• Colds, sore throats, tonsillitis, coughs - Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Measles and fevers - Traditional Chinese Medicine (early stages)
• Sores, abscesses, burns (topical) - European and Chinese traditional medicine
• Urinary calculi and female weakness - Native American use (adopted from European settlers)
• Snake bites (topical) - Kentucky folk medicine (leaves simmered in milk)
• Venereal disease, leprosy - Historical European use
• Stomachache and digestive complaints - Traditional use; leaves chewed for stomach cramps

Modern Uses

• Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne) | Research quality: Moderate
• Key findings: Burdock is considered specific for skin eruptions and works through its action on the liver and kidneys to clear the skin. It can restore either dry or greasy skin to normal. Particularly useful for dry, scaly skin eruptions, recurrent boils, and styes. The benefit is most noticeable when taken over a period of time, though it can also provide quick relief. Mother Earth News reported successful use of steamed burdock leaf poultices for staph infections that didn't respond to other therapy—reducing pain, shrinking lesions, and promoting rapid healing.

• Source citations: Bruton-Seal, J. – The Big Book of Backyard Medicine; Bruton-Seal, J. – The Herbalist's Bible; WRCHM – Western Materia Medica I; Mother Earth News 2018

• Blood purification and detoxification | Research quality: Moderate (traditional with some modern validation)

• Key findings: Burdock is recognized as one of the foremost detoxifying herbs, particularly effective as a gentle cleanser of the blood, lymphatic system, and colon. It helps clear toxic metabolic debris and is traditionally paired with dandelion to safeguard elimination of collected toxins. The Chinese have used burdock as a blood purifier for thousands of years, and current research has confirmed its usefulness for related conditions.

• Source citations: Bruton-Seal, J. – The Big Book of Backyard Medicine; Davies, J. – The Complete Home Guide to Herbs; Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada

• Liver and gallbladder support | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Burdock supports and tones the liver, gently cleansing it to support natural function. It breaks apart congestion in the body and is helpful with bile constraints. Drinking burdock tea or taking the tincture improves the function of the liver-gallbladder relationship, promoting better digestion and absorption. Burdock root extract has shown hepatoprotective activity, protecting the liver from toxicity caused by ethanol and carbon tetrachloride, possibly due to its antioxidant activity.

• Source citations: Pursell, J.J. – The Herbal Apothecary; WRCHM – Western Materia Medica I

• Kidney function and diuretic action | Research quality: Moderate

• Key findings: Burdock promotes healthy kidney function and expels uric acid from the body, making it helpful for gout and rheumatism. The leaves are strongly diuretic, increasing urine flow and helping cleanse the bladder. Seeds are beneficial for kidney stones and strong, dark, gritty urine. Current research has confirmed usefulness in treating water retention and high blood pressure.

• Source citations: Gladstar, R. – Herbs for Long-Lasting Health; Bruton-Seal, J. – The Herbalist's Bible; Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada

• Rheumatism and joint conditions | Research quality: Preliminary to Moderate

• Key findings: Burdock root tea is traditionally used for treating rheumatism due to its ability to expel uric acid and reduce inflammation. Animal studies have shown that Arctium decreased edema in the rat-paw model of carrageenan-induced inflammation.

• Source citations: Gladstar, R. – Herbs for Long-Lasting Health; WRCHM – Western Materia Medica I; Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada

• Digestive support | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Burdock has a soothing demulcent action on the entire system's mucous membranes. The bitter leaves stimulate appetite and digestion. Burdock is highly nutritious and will sustain the pancreas and spleen while balancing blood sugar levels.

• Source citations: Nyerges, C. – Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants; Davies, J. – The Complete Home Guide to Herbs; Bruton-Seal, J. – The Herbalist's Bible

• Blood sugar support | Research quality: Preliminary

• Key findings: Burdock can affect blood sugar levels and may help balance them. Its high inulin content (27-45% of root) contributes to this effect, as inulin is a prebiotic fiber that supports healthy blood sugar metabolism.

• Source citations: Pursell, J.J. – The Herbal Apothecary; Davies, J. – The Complete Home Guide to Herbs; Nyerges, C. – Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants

• Respiratory conditions | Research quality: Preliminary (traditional)

• Key findings: Seeds traditionally used for bronchitis, lung congestion, coughs, and pneumonia. Greater burdock seeds are used in Chinese medicine to relieve hot conditions including sore throats and fevers.

• Source citations: WRCHM – Western Materia Medica I; Bruton-Seal, J. – The Herbalist's Bible

• Topical wound healing and burns | Research quality: Preliminary (traditional)

• Key findings: Parkinson's traditional burns remedy of crushed burdock leaf and egg white is still used today. Fresh bruised leaves are used as poultices for burns, poison ivy, poison oak, sores, and ulcers. Externally, burdock has been used as a wash for hives, eczema, and skin eruptions.

• Source citations: Bruton-Seal, J. – The Herbalist's Bible; WRCHM – Western Materia Medica I; Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada

• Hair and scalp health | Research quality: Preliminary (traditional)

• Key findings: Burdock leaf infused oil is traditionally used as a scalp rub for hair loss. Burdock root was known as a beauty secret of Japanese Geisha girls.
• Source citations: Bruton-Seal, J. – The Herbalist's Bible; Amazing Wellness 2018

Active Compounds

Primary Active Ingredients:
- Inulin (27-45% of root) - Prebiotic fiber; supports blood sugar balance; contributes to the white "milk" that may settle in tinctures
- Bitter glycosides - Stimulate digestive secretions; support liver function
- Lignans (including arctiin) - Shown to have antiviral activity; arctiin converts to estrogenic and antiestrogenic compounds by intestinal bacteria; protective effects demonstrated in research
- Flavonoids - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Polysaccharides - Immune-supporting compounds; antibiotic substances
- Volatile oils - Contribute to antimicrobial properties
- Vitamins A and C - Nutritional support
- Minerals - Including calcium (50mg/100g), phosphorus (58mg/100g), potassium (180mg/100g), iron, magnesium, manganese, silicon, thiamine

Dosage Information

Standard Dosage:
- Form: Decoction (root), infusion (leaves), or tincture
- Root Decoction: 1-2 teaspoons dried root per cup, simmer 10-12 minutes covered, 1-3 cups per day
- Leaf Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons per cup, steep 15 minutes, 1-2 cups per day
- Frequency: 1-3 times daily

Therapeutic Dosage:
- Tincture: 10-30 drops, 1-3 times per day
- Purpose: For skin conditions, liver support, blood purification
- Duration: Best results seen with continued use over weeks to months; benefits most noticeable when taken over a period of time

Maximum Safe Dosage:
- Daily maximum: Not firmly established; moderate doses well-tolerated
- Warning threshold: Very high doses not studied; follow traditional dosing guidelines

Bioavailability Notes:
- Decoction preferred for root - Simmering extracts the active compounds more effectively than simple infusion
- Tincture considerations - Don't be alarmed by the thick white "milk" that may settle in the bottom of your tincture bottle; this is the inulin content of the burdock
- Alcohol extraction - Burdock tinctures well in 80-proof alcohol solution
- Fresh vs. dried - Fresh, young burdock root is more potent; roots are more tonic in the spring
- Food preparation - When eaten as a vegetable, peel the brownish-gray outer skin before cooking

How to Take It

Timing:
- Best time of day: Can be taken morning, afternoon, or evening
- With food or on empty stomach? Can be taken either way; with food if any digestive sensitivity
- Specific timing notes: During skin cleansing processes, skin outbreaks may temporarily arise—this means the process is working. Adding nettles or dandelion leaf can support kidney elimination during this transition.

Synergies - What It Works Well With

Complementary Supplements:
1. Dandelion - Classic traditional pairing for blood purification and detoxification | Dandelion supports elimination of toxins that burdock mobilizes; together they make the traditional "dandelion and burdock" drink
2. Nettle - Supports kidney elimination during detoxification | Add when working with liver and blood tonification to encourage elimination
3. Yellow Dock - Fellow alterative herb | Combine for comprehensive blood purification and skin conditions
4. Red Clover - Traditional alterative combination | Supports lymphatic cleansing alongside burdock
5. Cleavers - Lymphatic support | Enhances burdock's detoxification pathways

Avoidance - What NOT to Combine With

Supplement Interactions:
1. Iron supplements - Burdock may affect mineral absorption | Separate dosing by 2-3 hours if taking both

Drug Interactions:
1. Diabetes Medications (Metformin, Insulin) - Burdock can affect blood sugar levels | Monitor blood sugar closely; potential hypoglycemia risk | Severity: Moderate
2. Diuretics - Additive diuretic effect possible | May increase fluid loss | Severity: Mild to Moderate
3. Anticoagulants/Blood Thinners - Theoretical interaction based on traditional uses | Use caution; consult healthcare provider | Severity: Mild

Food Interactions:
- No significant food interactions documented

Safety Information

Long-Term Use:
- Safety of prolonged use (6+ months): Generally regarded as safe for long-term use at moderate doses
- Monitoring recommendations: Monitor blood sugar if diabetic; observe for any skin sensitivity
- Cycle recommendations: Not strictly necessary; can be taken continuously at moderate doses

Contraindications:
- Pregnancy - Traditionally avoided during pregnancy based on alterative properties and putative effects as a uterine stimulant
- Lactation - Traditionally avoided; insufficient safety data
- Children under 2 years - Traditionally avoided
- Thyroid conditions - Those with underactive thyroid should not use this herb (per Pursell)

Toxicity and Safety Notes:
- Contamination risk - In one reported case, toxic quantities of the alkaloid atropine were found in a commercial preparation of burdock root tea, likely due to contamination with Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), which has similar-appearing roots. Purchase from reputable sources.
- Contact dermatitis - Rare reports exist, but some sources indicate this may also be due to contamination or substitution rather than true burdock sensitivity
- Generally safe - Burdock root tea has shown little evidence of toxicity in normal use
- Side effects - Skin outbreaks may temporarily increase during initial use as the body's detoxification processes are stimulated—this is considered normal and indicates the herb is working

Primary Uses At-a-Glance

Primary: Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne, boils), blood purification and detoxification, liver support, kidney support, rheumatism and gout

Secondary: Digestive support, blood sugar balance, respiratory conditions, wound healing (topical), hair and scalp health, lymphatic cleansing

Sources

Local Library:
- Bruton-Seal, Julie – The Big Book of Backyard Medicine (detoxification uses, skin conditions, Velcro history, gobo culinary use, biennial harvest timing)
- Bruton-Seal, Julie – The Herbalist's Bible (Parkinson references, traditional uses for roots/leaves/seeds, burns remedy, hair loss, urinary problems, Dupuytren's contracture)
- Davies, Jill – The Complete Home Guide to Herbs (blood sugar balance, immune support, dandelion pairing)
- Gladstar, Rosemary – Herbs for Long-Lasting Health (nutritional content, kidney function, uric acid expulsion, preparation tips, inulin tincture note)
- Nyerges, Christopher – Guide to Wild Foods and Useful Plants (nutritional analysis, edible uses, inulin content 27-45%, Iroquois uses, coffee substitute, snake bite folk remedy)
- Orr, Stephen – The New American Herbal (TCM uses, Essiac context, gobo culinary notes)
- Pursell, J.J. – The Herbal Apothecary (therapeutic actions, organ systems affected, plant constituents, dosing, thyroid contraindication, flower essence use)
- WRCHM – Western Materia Medica I (comprehensive history including Ming I Pieh Lu 502 AD, Hildegard of Bingen, Hoxsey formula, herbal actions, indications, toxicity notes, atropine contamination case, belladonna confusion risk, lignans research, hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory animal studies)
- Wild Plants of the Sierra Nevada (Chinese blood purifier history, rheumatism/water retention/high blood pressure research confirmation, external wash uses)
- Mother Earth News 2018 (steamed burdock leaf poultice for staph infections)
- Amazing Wellness 2018 (Geisha beauty secret, gobo root)

General Knowledge:
- Core Identification framework, basic plant description, Asteraceae family classification
- General safety framework and drug interaction categories