Burdock Root
About
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
Active compounds
- Polyphenols
- Polyacetylenes
- Sesquiterpene lactones
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
Frequently asked questions
What is 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...
What are the benefits of Burdock Root?
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
How is Burdock Root used in Ayurveda?
Tea: Standard preparation as per API.
Published by herbs.directory