The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Burdock, also known as Bardane, Clotburr, Beggars Buttons, Gypsy Rhubarb, Wu Shih And Niu Bang (seeds), and Burr, is a carrot-like root from the plant Arctium lappa, a biennial herb grown in China, Europe and the United States. Employed as a popular folk medicine around the world, Burdock is also consumed as a vegetable in Japan, where it is called 'Gobo'.
Historically, Burdock seeds have been crushed to make a popular tincture used to purify the blood, to treat gout and ulcers, arthritis, rheumatism, and help with skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis. In India and Russia, the root has been used as a popular anti-cancer remedy (though this is not a proven application), and in China it is believed to be an effective aphrodisiac, useful in treating impotence and sterility.
Known primary constituents of Burdock include polyacetylenes, chlorogenic acid, taraxosterol, arctigen, inulin, lactone, essential oil, flavonoids, tannin, mucilage, resin, potassium, iron, and calcium. Seeds contain essential fatty acids.
The volatile oils of Burdock seed are said to be an effective diaphoretic, used to inducing sweating as an aid in neutralizing and eliminating toxins from the body. This activity is widely utilized by herbal practitioner's in the support treatment of liver problems, gallstones, flu, and to support the kidneys in filtering acids from the blood stream.
Studies of Burdock show that it is high in minerals, being a good source of iron. Data also indicates that the root is a good source of the carbohydrate inulin which can account for 45% of the plant mass. Burdock is also a good source of essential oils.
Burdock is typically available in combination with other herbs as a tea, in tinctures, and in capsule form. Burdock is an effective diuretic, and is considered a very safe herb and food product, though there have been cases where the purity of the root has raised some concern. Reported cases involving toxic effects were first thought to be caused by the consumption of burdock tea, but were later determined to be caused by contamination of the burdock root with belladonna root which contains atropine. In light of such issues, when using burdock root determine the source and quality of the root before you purchase.
Burdock is also considered a mild laxative. Burdock aids in the elimination of uric acid. The herb contains polyacetylenes that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. By improving the function of many organs of elimination (i.e. liver, kidneys, bowels), many health conditions may be improved.
Known historical applications also included topical uses for bruises, dandruff, glandular swelling, gout, joint pain, knee swelling, oily skin, and ringworm in the following forms: bath for sore joints and gout. compress for glandular swellings, knee swellings, sprains & bruises; hair rinse for dandruff; facial toner for oily skin; bruised leaves are applied to ringworm.
Historical culinary applications include: young leaves can be cooked in several changes of water and eaten as a potherb; stalks (before flowering) may be peeled and eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable; root is added to soup, stew, stir fry and sukiyaki; and roots can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
The genus name Arctium is from the Greek, arktos, meaning 'bear' in reference to the shaggy burrs. Beurre is French for 'butter' as French women would wrap their cakes of butter in leaves of Burdock to transport it to the marketplace. During the Industrial Revolution, Burdock was used as a medicine to help people cope with pollution.
The Swiss inventor, George de Mestral who invented Velcro™ was inspired by the Burdock burrs that covered his dog; when he observed the burrs under a magnifying glass, he saw the tiny curved hooks. In Hawaii, the roots are sometimes given as a 'gag' wedding gift because of the herb's aphrodisiac powers.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program, and in capsule form as part of our Combo Herbs sales programs.)
