-
Common Name
Burdock
-
Botanical Name
Arctium lappa
-
Part Used
Root
-
Clinical Summary
-
Alcohol
30%
-
Dose
10 to 120mL weekly
Burdock is the archetypal alterative herb, a revered blood cleanser and detoxifying remedy which accelerates elimination of toxins from the body. It is a classic liver herb which can be used to address chronic and acute skin rashes ranging from eczema and psoriasis to acne and boils, and other signs of liver troubles. Herbalists have long reached for burdock as an effective remedy for chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gout and rheumatism.
-
Traditional Use
Traditionally burdock has been consumed as a vegetable and has also been used for dermatological disorders and as an antidiabetic remedy. In traditional Chinese medicine burdock is used to rid the body of toxins and as a "blood purifier." In the book Healing Wise, which sets forth the foundations of the Wise Woman Tradition, Susun Weed says longevity, steady energy, sexual vitality and freedom from chronic disease and cancer (it is in the famous purported cancer therapy from the 1920s, Essiac) are a few of the reported effects of long term, frequent use of burdock.
-
Actions
Alterative, anti-inflammatory, diuretic (mild), laxative (mild), diaphoretic
-
Indications
• Acute and chronic skin rashes including eczema, psoriasis, acne, boils, hives
• Gout, arthritis, rheumatism
• Anorexia nervosa
• Cystitis -
Energetics
Bitter, pungent, cooling, drying
-
Use in Pregnancy
Avoid using
-
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid in patients with known sensitivity to plants in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family.
-
Drug Interactions
Caution with anticoagulant/antiplatelet (such as warfarin) and antidiabetic drugs.
-
Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.
-
Substitutes
Sarsaparilla, Echinacea, Yellow Dock, Poke Root, Calendula, Clivers, Red Clover