Burdock ~ Arctium lappa

Burdock

Latin name: Arctium lappa

Family: Asteraceae

Part used: herb, root (mainly), fruits

Habitat: hedges and ditches in Europe, Asia, naturalized toN. America

Main constituents: lignans (arctigenin), polyacetylenes, arctic acid, sesquiterpenes (arctiol), amino acids, inulin, dietary fiber; polysaccharides (in herb and root)

Energetics: initially sweet, later bitter; cooling

Main herbal actions: alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic

Minor herbal actions: antimicrobial, removes catabolic by-products, digestive stimulant

Main medicinal uses: tumors, chronic skin eruptions, arthritis, sciatica, urinary calculi

Minor medicinal uses: mastitis, gout

Preparations: infusion or decoction: 1 heaping tsp/cup water; poultice; tincture: 2-8 ml qd (root), 0.5-2 ml (fruit)

Contraindications: pregancy

Toxicity: urinary tract irritation

Notes: Root is premier alterative in Western herbalism, also used in Asian systems

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations