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Burdock

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Feb 15, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Apr 8







Burdock Monograph



Botanical Name

Arctium Minus / Arctium Lappa

Common Name

Burdock, Gewone klit, greater burdock, gobo, beggar's buttons, thorny burr

Family

Asteraceae

Parts Used

Root, leaf, seed/fruit

Native To

Temperate regions of Europe and Asia

Harvesting Guidelines

Burdock is best harvested in the fall of its first year of growth before the flower stalk emerges. At this stage, the root is still tender enough to prepare for food or medicine. The second opportunity for harvesting occurs in early spring of the second year, just before the plant channels energy into seed production. Roots should be carefully dug to avoid breakage, ideally selecting medium-sized plants for easier processing.


Burdock is a robust biennial plant with a long taproot that reaches deep into the soil to draw up minerals and nutrients. It has been used for centuries in traditional healing systems across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Known for its cooling and moistening energetic properties, burdock is especially valued for its ability to support detoxification pathways in the body and address chronic imbalances.


Burdock is a deeply grounding plant with a long taproot that seems to anchor it into both soil and spirit. Used for centuries across cultures, burdock has been known as a blood purifier, a digestive ally, and a protector of skin and liver. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock is called niúbàng and is used to clear heat and toxins from the body, especially from the lungs and skin. Japanese cuisine reveres burdock as gobo, where it is both food and medicine, cooked for vitality and digestive strength. Among Indigenous groups of North America, such as the Cherokee and Micmac, burdock root was used externally for sores and wounds and internally for strengthening the blood and lymph.


Spiritually, burdock is a plant of boundaries. Its burrs stick tightly to clothing and fur, reminding us of the importance of what we carry and what we let go. It is often called upon in folk healing as a plant of protection, especially when working with energetic or emotional toxicity. Its downward-growing root invites us to ground, to sink into the body, to return to earth when life becomes too fragmented or unbalanced.


Scientifically, burdock root contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestion and immunity. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that burdock root extract significantly improved glucose metabolism and had antioxidant effects, pointing to its potential in managing type 2 diabetes.


Another study in Frontiers in Plant Science explored the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties of burdock’s caffeoylquinic acid compounds, confirming its traditional use in supporting liver function. Burdock has also shown anticancer and antimicrobial activity in laboratory settings, suggesting deeper layers of medicinal potential still being uncovered.

Adult Dose

A decoction is the most common preparation, using a teaspoon of dried root simmered gently in water. This can be taken as a tonic over time. It may also be tinctured or infused into oils for topical use.


Safety

While burdock is generally well tolerated, individuals taking synthetic diuretics or managing kidney conditions should consult a practitioner due to its mild diuretic effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are advised to avoid internal use until more comprehensive safety data becomes available.


Actions

Alterative, Analgesic, Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant, Antilithic, Bitter, Cholagogue, Diuretic

Energy

Cooling, Moistening

References:



Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.



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