Burdock, also known as Niu Bang Zi (in Chinese) or its botanical name Arctium lappa, is a member of the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family (1). Native to Europe and Asia, burdock can be identified in the wild differently depending on its age (just like mullein). First-year plants have short, dense, circular (rosette) leaf arrangements. Second-year plants are between 2 and 10 feet tall and have purple thistle-like flower clusters, long stalks, and large heart-shaped leaves, while the roots are gray-brown and three feet deep (2).

Burdock is propagated in the spring from seed and harvested from midsummer to fall. If you plan to forage for burdock, always harvest ethically. Never collect anything from private property without direct permission. When harvesting from public spaces, consider the impacts on native plant populations. Due to the uncertainty of surrounding plants, be careful not to disturb them as they could be an endangered or threatened species. Always be kind to the earth and only harvest what you need.

According to one of my favorite herbal resources, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, burdock’s key constituents are bitter glycosides (arctiopicrin), flavonoids (arctiin), tannins, polyacetylenes, volatile oil, inulin (up to 45%) and lignans. Its key herbal actions include:

• Anti-inflammatory: helps the body control inflammation.
• Antibiotic: destroys or inhibits microorganisms.
• Antiseptic: destroys or inhibits microorganisms that cause infections.
• Detoxifying: Aids in waste and toxin removal from the body.
• Mild diuretic: Promotes urine flow.

Interested in learning more about herbal actions? Take the next step by joining my Facebook group, The Holistic Hipppie Community, to access my exclusive “Understanding Herbal Actions” guide today!

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Burdock Root

Burdock root has been used throughout Western folk herbalism and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, primarily for its cleansing and skin-smoothing properties (3). The burdock plant has many health benefits, including:

Antioxidant Properties

Several studies have been done on burdock’s ability to act as an antioxidant. Antioxidants can help fight damage from harmful free radicals. The buildup of free radicals has been linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease (). One study found burdock leaves stimulated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by restoring the activity of antioxidant enzymes in RAW264.7 macrophage cells (5). Animal studies discovered that burdock water extracts actively seek out and destroy free radicals (6). Another study found burdock root hydroethanolic extracts proved free radical scavenging activity (7).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Although inflammation is a natural bodily response, chronic inflammation can lead to detrimental health effects. Chronic inflammation has been linked with many diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, and certain cancers (8). Thankfully, the antioxidant properties of burdock also possess anti-inflammatory effects. In animal studies, burdock root inhibited intestinal inflammation of dietary obese rats (9). Another study noted that the anti-inflammatory effects of burdock extract were similar to those of NSAID diclofenac on paw edema (10). In human studies, burdock significantly decreased inflammatory markers in participants with osteoarthritis (11).

May Promote Blood Purification

One of the most common uses for burdock today is blood purification. Blood purification is the process of removing toxins from the blood, often associated with dysregulation of the immune system (12). One study found burdock alongside aquarobic exercise improved the serum blood lipid levels and vascular elasticity of elderly women participants (13). Additionally, evidence has found that the burdock root’s active ingredient can remove toxins from the bloodstream and effectively detoxify the blood, promoting circulation at the skin’s surface (14).

Antibacterial Properties

An antibacterial property is when a substance, or in this case, an herb, can destroy or suppress the growth and reproduction of bacteria (15). Burdock’s ability to remove toxins from the blood is said to help manage and prevent infections. Traditional healers have used burdock root to fight sore throats, common colds, and other ailments for centuries. Today, scientific research proves burdock even more versatile. One study discovered that burdock can kill some bacteria, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (16). Another study found that burdock could manage biofilm-related urinary tract infections (17).

May Promote Skin Health

Skin health is important. The skin covers the entire external surface of the human body, making it the largest organ (18). It is a protection barrier that fights and prevents germs from entering the body (19). Burdock has been used for thousands of years to lessen skin conditions such as acne. One study discovered that burdock positively impacted acne, especially acne caused by inflammation (20). Another study noted the inhibitory effects of burdock leaf extract on enzymes like tyrosinase and elastase, thanks to its polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities (21). Tyrosinase is responsible for melanin production, and elastase breaks down elastin, which is crucial for skin elasticity (22).

May Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

As of 2020, 34.2 million (1 in 10) Americans have diabetes, and another 88 million (1 in 3) Americans have prediabetes (3). On the bright side, studies found that burdock could prevent dangerously high blood glucose levels in petri dishes and live animals (24). In an animal study, researchers found that fermented burdock significantly reduced the blood sugar of mice (25). Another study found hyperglycemic rats (induced by a high sugar-fat diet and streptozotocin) had improved gut (intestinal) flora composition from burdock powder (26).

Anticancer Properties

In 2021, there were 1,777,566 new cases of invasive cancer in the United States, with almost 10 million people who lost their battle with cancer worldwide (27,28). In other words, one out of every six deaths was cancer-related. That is a lot; however, a diagnosis or genetic predisposition doesn’t define your outcome. Genetics may load the gun, but environmental factors and lifestyle choices ultimately pull the trigger. Thankfully, burdock may help.
Not only does burdock remove toxins from the blood, but it may also inhibit certain types of cancer (14). Research has found that burdock has potent inhibitory effects on liver cancer tumorigenesis and cancer cell growth (29). One study found that compounds found in burdock, like arctigenin, could be a natural antidote for breast tumors and ovary, bladder, malignant melanoma, lymphoma, and pancreatic cancer cells (30).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

Although burdock is commonly consumed in foods, mainstream sources claim there isn’t enough reliable information to know if burdock is safe when used as medicine or what the side effects may be. They have the same precautions regarding breastfeeding and pregnancy and recommend avoiding use (31).

Contrarily, trusted herbalist Richard Whelan says there is a healthy respect for the old teachings about burdock. Whelan notes that burdock is a powerful medicine and must be used carefully. He mentions how burdock may bring about a healing crisis, meaning symptoms will worsen before they get better.

Whelan mentions that the book Toxicology of Botanical Medicines identifies burdock as a uterine stimulant, suggesting it should not be used during pregnancy. However, he added that there are no reports of adverse reactions in the literature, meaning it is likely only a theoretical concern.

Burdock might reduce platelet aggregation by inhibiting platelet-activating factors, so, theoretically, taking burdock with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding due to decreased platelet aggregation. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin).

Whelan goes on to say that these concerns are theoretical only. He says there is no published evidence of adverse reactions or drug interactions with burdock. In his professional opinion, it can be used by anyone in any stage of life if used carefully (32). Additionally, burdock may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family, such as ragweed, marigolds, daisies, etc.

How to Use Burdock & Product Recommendations

When I make homemade herbal remedies, I try to buy herbs locally. When buying locally isn’t an option, I typically purchase from one of the following brands I trust:

• Anthony’s Goods
• Frontier Co-op
• Starwest Botanicals

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my post, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I have yet to have the opportunity to make herbal remedies with burdock, although I cook with it occasionally. Nonetheless, to my understanding, the best preparation methods when working with burdock include the following:

• Herbal decoctions from roots – learn how to make an herbal decoction
• Herbal infusions from seeds – learn how to make an herbal infusion
• Herbal poultices from leaves
• Herbal syrups – learn how to make an herbal syrup
• Herbal tinctures from roots – learn how to make an herbal tincture

If making your home remedies isn’t quite your thing, I recommend a few premade herbal products, including:

• Ancient Nutrition Liver Cleanse is the first-ever regenerative organic certified blend that combines regenerative organic certified reishi mushroom myceliated milk thistle seed extract, organic fermented burdock root, and organic fermented bupleurum root, some of history’s most respected superfood ingredients for healthy detoxification.
• Gaia Herbs Liver Cleanse supports liver health by properly removing waste, processing nutrients, and more. With the power of milk thistle and burdock, this formula can lend an herbal helping hand to your liver.
• SimpleMe’s 10 in 1 Daily Power Blend provides the health benefits of 10 superfoods in a simple and convenient way. These Irish sea moss, bladderwrack, burdock capsules with ashwagandha, black seed, honey, and more are rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins to support everyday wellness.
• Wild & Organic’s Burdock Root Liquid Drops harness the remarkable antioxidant properties of this herb, making it an integral part of your wellness routine. Experience the benefits this potent plant offers in a convenient liquid tincture.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

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