|
| Arctium lappa |
 |
| Name |
| Burdock |
| Biological
Name |
Arctium lappa |
| Other Names |
| Bardana, burr seed, clotbur, cocklebur,
grass burdock, hardock, hareburr, hurrburr, turkey burrseed, Burdock,
Niu bang zi |
| Parts Used |
| root, seed, leaves |
| Active Compounds |
| Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin
and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal
tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional
use of burdock to improve digestion. It also contains polyacetylenes
that have been shown to have anti-microbial activity. Burdock root
and fruit also have the ability to slightly lower blood sugar (hypoglycemic
effect). Even though test-tube and animal studies have indicated some
anti-tumor activity for burdock root, these results have not been
duplicated in human studies. |
| History |
| In traditional herbal texts, burdock root
is described as a blood purifier or alterative. Burdock root was believed
to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally and
externally for eczema and psoriasis as well as to treat painful joints
and as a diuretic. In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock root in
combination with other herbs is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis,
colds, and even measles. It is eaten as a vegetable in Japan and elsewhere.
Burdock root has recently become popular as part of a tea to treat
cancer. To date, only minimal research has substantiated this application. |
| Remedies
For |
Antibiotic, antifungal, diaphoretic, diuretic, mild laxative, antipyretic
Beneficial in treating:
acne
psoriasis
rheumatoid arthritis
A root decoction of burdock has been reported useful in the treatment
of gout, rheumatism, and dropsy. In Japan, the tender leaf stalks
and roots are boiled twice to remove the tough fibers and then eaten.
It is a diuretic without the side effects such as irritation and
nausea. Externally, the leaves have been applied for benign skin
tumors and in the treatment of knee joint swellings unresponsive
to other medicines. Burdock poultices have been used in the treatment
of gout, severe bloody bruises and burns.
Recent scientific experiments have shown that burdock root extracts
is a diuretic and inhibited tumors in animals. Extracts also lowered
blood sugar and have estrogenic activity. It also has antibacterial
and antifungal properties. The active antibacterial compound is
identified as lactone.
The experiments show that burdock has potential in treatment of
female complaints, in diabetes, and for bacterial or fungal infection. |
| Description |
Burdock is native to Asia and Europe. The root is the primary source
of most herbal preparations. The root becomes very soft with chewing
and tastes sweet, with a mucilaginous texture.
Burdock is a biennial plant found along fences, walls, and roadsides,
in waste places, and around populated areas. The root is long, fleshy,
gray-brown outside, and whitish inside. In its second year, the
plant grows a furrowed, reddish, pithy stem with woolly branches.
During the first year burdock has only basal leaves. Both basal
and stem leaves are oblong-cordate to cordate, green and hairy on
top and downy gray beneath. The purple flowers appear in loose corymbose
clusters from July to September. |
| Dosage |
Traditional herbalists recommend 2-4 ml of burdock root tincture
per day. For the dried root preparation in capsule form, the common
amount to take is 1-2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations
combine burdock root with other alterative herbs such as yellow
dock, red clover, or cleavers. |
| Safety |
Use of burdock root in the dosages listed here is generally safe.
However, burdock root in large quantities may stimulate the uterus
and therefore should be used with caution during pregnancy. Do not
use burdock if you are suffering from diarrhea. |
|
| |
M