Burdock (Arctium Lappa)

Current uses

Primary active constituents in burdock include arctigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, iron, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. Fatty acids are contained in the seeds. Burdock seed oil may work as a diaphoretic, creating sweat, neutralizing and eliminating the body's toxins. The high amounts of inulin and mucilage in burdock may explain why it exhibits soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

The burdock root is believed to clear toxins from the bloodstream. It may be applied externally as well as internally to relieve eczema and psoriasis. It has even been used by traditional healers to treat snake bite. Its antibiotic and antibacterial properties make it a highly effective treatment for all chronic and stubborn skin problems.

Furthermore, it is used to ease painful joints or act as a diuretic.

Burdock may provide a good source of minerals such as iron, the carbohydrate inulin, and essential oils. Additionally, burdock may serve as a mild laxative and assist in the elimination of uric acid.

Burdock is usually 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 as long as the root is pure. 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.