Burdock
Arctium lappa
A plant whose root has been eaten as food in Asia for centuries. It is traditionally used as a "blood purifier" and for skin problems, but there is little evidence in people.
What is Burdock?
- Plant family
- Asteraceae, the daisy family
- Parts used
- The root; the fruit is used in traditional Chinese medicine
- Where it grows
- Native to Europe and northern Asia; now found worldwide
- Genus
- Arctium
- Species
- lappa
Also called
Burdock Root, Lappa, Wild Gobo, Happy Major
Traditional names
Niubang
Older scientific names
Arctium majus
Traditionally used for
- Skin problems
- Appetite
- Urinary complaints
- Blood purifier (traditional)
Traditionally described as
- Traditionally used as a blood purifier
Health topics
Where Burdock appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Liver Safety Warnings
One case of sudden liver injury was reported after an herbal tea containing burdock. It protected the liver in rats, but hasn't been studied for this in people.
- Loss of Appetite
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for short-term loss of appetite.
- Skin Irritation, Rashes and Itching
Recognized in Europe as a traditional medicine for oily, flaky skin; traditionally used on the skin in Chinese medicine.
Traditions that use it
Traditional Chinese Medicine
The fruit is valued as a blood purifier, for sore throat and colds, and on the skin for acne, eczema and psoriasis.
European Folk Medicine
Recognized in Europe as a traditional herbal medicine for loss of appetite, minor urinary complaints and oily, flaky skin.
Safety
Who should avoid it
Burdock medicines aren't recommended for anyone under 18. Don't take them with prescription water pills. See a doctor if you get fever, painful urination, cramps or blood in the urine.[1]
Allergies
Burdock can cause skin allergies. A 53-year-old man had a severe whole-body allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), with redness and trouble breathing, an hour after eating boiled burdock; he recovered with treatment. People allergic to chrysanthemums may also react to burdock.[2]
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) have been reported. Don't use burdock medicines if you're allergic to burdock or other daisy-family plants.[1]
Pregnancy
Avoid burdock during pregnancy: it may stimulate the uterus and increase the risk of premature birth.[2]
Breastfeeding
Because there isn't enough safety data, burdock medicines aren't recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.[1]
Toxicity testing
A 36-year-old woman developed sudden liver injury after drinking an herbal tea sold for the liver that contained burdock. Her symptoms eased after she stopped the tea.[2]
Contamination
Some burdock teas have been contaminated with atropine from the belladonna plant, which can affect the nervous system.[2]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
In traditional Chinese medicine, burdock fruit is valued as a blood purifier and for sore throat and colds. It is also used on the skin for acne, eczema and psoriasis, and for poor appetite (anorexia) and gout. It is used for cancer and AIDS too, though there's no evidence it works for these. The root has been eaten as food in Asia for centuries.[2]
Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency recognizes burdock root as a traditional herbal medicine for:
- Increasing urine to flush the urinary tract in minor urinary complaints
- Short-term loss of appetite
- Oily, flaky skin conditions (seborrheic skin)
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In lab and animal studies, burdock showed effects against inflammation, bacteria, stomach ulcers, high blood sugar and cancer. In rats it protected the liver, possibly through its antioxidant activity. In animals, the root extract also stimulated the uterus.[2]
Research in people
Research in people is limited to small studies:
- A cream with burdock extract improved the look of wrinkled skin.
- Burdock tea improved signs of inflammation in people with knee arthritis.
- Formulas containing burdock improved blood fats and after-meal blood sugar in people with kidney disease caused by diabetes.
There is no evidence that burdock treats cancer, infections, diabetes or other conditions. Larger studies are needed.[2]
In short
Avoid during pregnancy; can cause severe allergic reactions, and one case of liver injury has been reported.
Sources
- [1] Community herbal monograph on Arctium lappa L., radix (EMA/HMPC/246763/2009) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
- [2] Burdock — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, About HerbsGeneral reference
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.