Burdock Root (Burdock Root)
Burdock is a biennial plant, reaching up to 3m in height. In the first year, it develops large, simple basal leaves. It produces a long taproot, white...
Botanical name: Arctium lappa. Also known as: Niu Bang Zi, Gobo, Beggar's Buttons, Thorny Burr, Happy Major, Fox's Clote, Clot-Bur, Lappa, Bardane.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Hypoglycemic
Dosage
Infusion: 5g dried leaves in 1 litre water, 2 cups a day. Decoction: 10-15g dried root in 400ml water boiled down to 200ml, divided into three portions daily. Capsule: One capsule 3 times a day.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter, astringent, sweet (combination of tastes)
- Virya: Cooling
- Vipaka: Pungent
Benefits
- Specifically, the tea reduced serum levels of IL-6, hs-CRP, and malondialdehyde, while increasing serum levels of TAC and SOD
- These findings suggest that burdock root may have potential benefits for managing inflammation and oxidative stress
- Detoxifier
- Blood purifier
- Diuretic
Traditional uses
- Skin disorders (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Rashes
- Congestion
- Swelling
- Fever
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: aggravating
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Tea: Standard preparation as per API.
- Decoction: Standard preparation as per API.
- Tincture: Standard preparation as per API.
- Capsules: Standard preparation as per API.
- Infused oil: Standard preparation as per API.
- Ointment: Standard preparation as per API.
- Soups: Standard preparation as per API.
- Stew: Standard preparation as per API.
- Stir-fries: Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Surgery (stop use 2 weeks before)
Side effects
- May cause allergic reaction. Resembles toxic belladonna nightshade. May increase risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Use caution in children.
Interactions
- Diuretics
- Diabetes medications
- Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs
Clinical evidence
One randomized controlled trial (PMID: 25350500) with 36 participants showed that burdock root tea significantly improved inflammatory status and oxidative stress markers in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Specifically, the tea reduced serum levels of IL-6, hs-CRP, and malondialdehyde, while increasing serum levels of TAC and SOD. These findings suggest that burdock root may have potential benefits for managing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Detoxifier
- Blood purifier
- Diuretic
- Diaphoretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Livotonic
- Cholagogue
- Hypolipidemic
- Lowers blood sugar
- Adaptogen
- Nutritive
- General Laxative
Classical clinical indications
- Skin disorders (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Rashes
- Congestion
- Swelling
- Fever
- Toxins
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Lymphatic congestion
- Kidney conditions
- Bladder conditions
- Liver conditions
- Infections
- High blood sugar
- High cholesterol
- Digestive issues (indigestion, constipation)
- Hormonal imbalance
- Insomnia