Burdock Herbarium
Latin name: Arctium lappa
Family: Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)
Common Names: burdock root, cockleburr, thorny burr, turkey burrseed
Descriptive Characteristics: This is considered a weed and its seed are burrs that attach to animal fur. I take my daughter on a walk each month called "babes in the woods" for ages 0-2. This is one of the things the naturalist that runs the program taught the kids. She even passes around things so the kids can feel them. These plants can be found all over since their seeds travel so easily.
Parts used: root, rhizome, leaf
Texture: it looks like small rocks but feels like wood chips
Color: various shades of brown
Aroma: it smells sweet but a little musty maybe? Reminds me of licorice but not quite.
Flavor: sweetish but a little bitter. My daughter saw me taste it and asked to taste too. After she smelled it, she no longer wanted to taste. I agree.
Active Constituents: Acetylenic compounds, phenolic acids, and inulin. An essential oil would contain .1% sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones. Hoffman (2003) says Lignans (arctigenin, arctin, and martairesinol); polyacetylenes; carbohydrates; inulin; mucilage; pectin; sugars; organic acids, fatty acids, and phenolic acids (p. 528). Chevallier (2016) adds bitter tannins and volatile oils (p. 65)
Therapeutic Actions: Diuretic, diaphoretic (Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000). Hoffman (2003) says alterative, diuretic, bitter. Chevallier (2016) adds detoxifying, antibiotic, antisceptic, and anti-inflammatory (p. 65).
Indications: The commission E Monograph states burdock root can be used for gastrointestinal issues, gout, arthritis, as a diaphoretic and diuretic and blood purifying (alterative). Externally, it can be used for ichthyosis, psoriasis, impure skin, and skin diseases. Weiss and Fintelmann (2000) say if used, it should be added as a component in antidyscratic teas because it's too weak to be effective on its own. Mills and Bone (2010) say the typical use is skin eruptions like eczema and psoriasis, as well as rheumatism, cystitis, and gout. Historically it has treated arthritis, diabetes, and hair loss. It is an important ingredient in anti-cancer remedies. Research is still ongoing (Ulbricht, 2010, 174). Chevallier (2016) adds the seeds is used to detoxify which helps in fevers and infections such as measles and mumps, as well as skin eruptions (p. 65).
Formulary: Some skin issues are actually caused by toxins in the blood so blood cleaners can be used here. Diaphoretics act by removing the toxins through the skin. Basically, the person sweats the toxins out of their body.
Griffin (1997) 132
Hives (p. 132): ¼ inch thick piece of root, pour twice as much boiling water over it. Let cool. Drink ½ c 3/day
Rheumatism (p. 135): Mix 2oz each black cohosh, burdock seed, juniper berries, sassafras bark, and sulfur in 2c Jamaican rum. Take 1 T 3/day for 10 days. Take 10 days off then take again. Add more rum as needed.
Chevallier (2016, p. 65)
Acne and boils (p. 305): make decoction with 2t root and 5 t dandelion root. Drink ¾ c 2/day.
Make decoction with 5g burdock root, 10 g of dandelion root in 3c water. Divide in 3 doses. Drink throughout the day.
Skin rashes (p. 303): make a decoction of 5g each dandelion , yellow dock, burdock in 3c water. Drink 1 ¼ c /day, repeat for at least a week.
General adult dosage information:
Mills and Bone (2010)
Infusion or decoction: 6-18 g/day dried root
1:1 liquid extract: 6-24 ml/day
1:2 liquid extract or capsule: 1.5-3.5 ml/day
1:10 tincture: 24-48 ml/day
1:20 decoction: 500 ml/day
Ulbricht (2010) says there is insufficient evidence to recommend dosing. It can be uses as a dried root, tablets/capsules, decoctions, tinctures, fluid extract, and root teas. It can also be used on the skin. (p. 174)
Hoffman (2003, p. 529)
Tincture: 1:5 40% 2-4ml 3/day
Decoction: 1 t root, 1 c water. Bring to boil. Simmer 10-15 min. 3/day.
BHC
Dried root: 2-6g, 3/day
Tincture: 1:5 25% 8-12ml 3/day
Fluid extract: 1:1 25% 2-6ml 3/day
Chevallier (2016, p. 65)
Tincture: made with root: for arthritis and skin disorders: 20 drops 2-3/day, up to 4 weeks
Decoction: made of root: for arthritis and skin disorders: drink 7t once a day, up to 4 weeks
Infusion: made of seeds: use as a wash for boils and acne
Poultice: made of leaves: Apply to abscesses and boils.
Safety: contact dermatitis with people who have allergies
Lab:
I really didn’t want to use the class lesson unless I had to since I know others would be so I’m trying to use the resources I have on the shelves behind me. According to Heinerman (1996), burdock is a blood purifying herb but is considered THE herb for treating chronic skin conditions. Since I have kids and skin conditions are common, I thought that recipe belonged right here. This can be used to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis, boils, herpes, syphilitic sores, styes, carbuncles, cankers, etc. I won’t make this just yet because I want it available when I need it. This can be used internally or externally.
Boil 1 quart water. Bring to simmer. Add 4t cut, dried root. Cover, simmer 7 minutes. Remove from heat, steep 2 hours. If used internally, drink at least 2 cups a day on an EMPTY stomach.
On 27 March, 2019, I started a tincture of 28g of herb in 40% alcohol for a menstruum of 140 ml. On 5 June, 2019, I strained my tincture of a yield of 75ml.
Research:
The American Botanical Council (ABC) stated the Native Americans used this for soap and the Iroquois used it as their source of greens. Some Native American tribes used this herb for rheumatism, scurvy, venereal diseases, sores, chancre (ulcer), to cleanse the blood, and as a gynecological aid for ‘weakly females’. In England, they combine burdock with dandelion root and make root beer.
References
American Botanical Council. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/healthyingredients/Burdock.html
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 65.
Commission E Monograph: http://cms.herbalgram.org/commissione/Monographs/Monograph0040.html
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. P. 16, 106, 107-11, 114, 126, 191
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. P. 81, 107, 132, 135, 139, 140-1.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices. New York, New York: Penguin Group. 103-104.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 528.
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. P. 304-305.
Ulbricht, C. E. (2010). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Guide. Mosby, Inc. Elsevier, Inc. 174.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. ( 2000) Herbal Medicine. Theime. 247-248.
Family: Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)
Common Names: burdock root, cockleburr, thorny burr, turkey burrseed
Descriptive Characteristics: This is considered a weed and its seed are burrs that attach to animal fur. I take my daughter on a walk each month called "babes in the woods" for ages 0-2. This is one of the things the naturalist that runs the program taught the kids. She even passes around things so the kids can feel them. These plants can be found all over since their seeds travel so easily.
Parts used: root, rhizome, leaf
Texture: it looks like small rocks but feels like wood chips
Color: various shades of brown
Aroma: it smells sweet but a little musty maybe? Reminds me of licorice but not quite.
Flavor: sweetish but a little bitter. My daughter saw me taste it and asked to taste too. After she smelled it, she no longer wanted to taste. I agree.
Active Constituents: Acetylenic compounds, phenolic acids, and inulin. An essential oil would contain .1% sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene lactones. Hoffman (2003) says Lignans (arctigenin, arctin, and martairesinol); polyacetylenes; carbohydrates; inulin; mucilage; pectin; sugars; organic acids, fatty acids, and phenolic acids (p. 528). Chevallier (2016) adds bitter tannins and volatile oils (p. 65)
Therapeutic Actions: Diuretic, diaphoretic (Weiss and Fintelmann, 2000). Hoffman (2003) says alterative, diuretic, bitter. Chevallier (2016) adds detoxifying, antibiotic, antisceptic, and anti-inflammatory (p. 65).
Indications: The commission E Monograph states burdock root can be used for gastrointestinal issues, gout, arthritis, as a diaphoretic and diuretic and blood purifying (alterative). Externally, it can be used for ichthyosis, psoriasis, impure skin, and skin diseases. Weiss and Fintelmann (2000) say if used, it should be added as a component in antidyscratic teas because it's too weak to be effective on its own. Mills and Bone (2010) say the typical use is skin eruptions like eczema and psoriasis, as well as rheumatism, cystitis, and gout. Historically it has treated arthritis, diabetes, and hair loss. It is an important ingredient in anti-cancer remedies. Research is still ongoing (Ulbricht, 2010, 174). Chevallier (2016) adds the seeds is used to detoxify which helps in fevers and infections such as measles and mumps, as well as skin eruptions (p. 65).
Formulary: Some skin issues are actually caused by toxins in the blood so blood cleaners can be used here. Diaphoretics act by removing the toxins through the skin. Basically, the person sweats the toxins out of their body.
Griffin (1997) 132
Hives (p. 132): ¼ inch thick piece of root, pour twice as much boiling water over it. Let cool. Drink ½ c 3/day
Rheumatism (p. 135): Mix 2oz each black cohosh, burdock seed, juniper berries, sassafras bark, and sulfur in 2c Jamaican rum. Take 1 T 3/day for 10 days. Take 10 days off then take again. Add more rum as needed.
Chevallier (2016, p. 65)
Acne and boils (p. 305): make decoction with 2t root and 5 t dandelion root. Drink ¾ c 2/day.
Make decoction with 5g burdock root, 10 g of dandelion root in 3c water. Divide in 3 doses. Drink throughout the day.
Skin rashes (p. 303): make a decoction of 5g each dandelion , yellow dock, burdock in 3c water. Drink 1 ¼ c /day, repeat for at least a week.
General adult dosage information:
Mills and Bone (2010)
Infusion or decoction: 6-18 g/day dried root
1:1 liquid extract: 6-24 ml/day
1:2 liquid extract or capsule: 1.5-3.5 ml/day
1:10 tincture: 24-48 ml/day
1:20 decoction: 500 ml/day
Ulbricht (2010) says there is insufficient evidence to recommend dosing. It can be uses as a dried root, tablets/capsules, decoctions, tinctures, fluid extract, and root teas. It can also be used on the skin. (p. 174)
Hoffman (2003, p. 529)
Tincture: 1:5 40% 2-4ml 3/day
Decoction: 1 t root, 1 c water. Bring to boil. Simmer 10-15 min. 3/day.
BHC
Dried root: 2-6g, 3/day
Tincture: 1:5 25% 8-12ml 3/day
Fluid extract: 1:1 25% 2-6ml 3/day
Chevallier (2016, p. 65)
Tincture: made with root: for arthritis and skin disorders: 20 drops 2-3/day, up to 4 weeks
Decoction: made of root: for arthritis and skin disorders: drink 7t once a day, up to 4 weeks
Infusion: made of seeds: use as a wash for boils and acne
Poultice: made of leaves: Apply to abscesses and boils.
Safety: contact dermatitis with people who have allergies
Lab:
I really didn’t want to use the class lesson unless I had to since I know others would be so I’m trying to use the resources I have on the shelves behind me. According to Heinerman (1996), burdock is a blood purifying herb but is considered THE herb for treating chronic skin conditions. Since I have kids and skin conditions are common, I thought that recipe belonged right here. This can be used to treat eczema, acne, psoriasis, boils, herpes, syphilitic sores, styes, carbuncles, cankers, etc. I won’t make this just yet because I want it available when I need it. This can be used internally or externally.
Boil 1 quart water. Bring to simmer. Add 4t cut, dried root. Cover, simmer 7 minutes. Remove from heat, steep 2 hours. If used internally, drink at least 2 cups a day on an EMPTY stomach.
On 27 March, 2019, I started a tincture of 28g of herb in 40% alcohol for a menstruum of 140 ml. On 5 June, 2019, I strained my tincture of a yield of 75ml.
Research:
The American Botanical Council (ABC) stated the Native Americans used this for soap and the Iroquois used it as their source of greens. Some Native American tribes used this herb for rheumatism, scurvy, venereal diseases, sores, chancre (ulcer), to cleanse the blood, and as a gynecological aid for ‘weakly females’. In England, they combine burdock with dandelion root and make root beer.
References
American Botanical Council. Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/healthyingredients/Burdock.html
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 65.
Commission E Monograph: http://cms.herbalgram.org/commissione/Monographs/Monograph0040.html
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing. P. 16, 106, 107-11, 114, 126, 191
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. P. 81, 107, 132, 135, 139, 140-1.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of Healing Herbs and Spices. New York, New York: Penguin Group. 103-104.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 528.
Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2010). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. Elsevier Limited. P. 304-305.
Ulbricht, C. E. (2010). Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Guide: An Evidence-based Guide. Mosby, Inc. Elsevier, Inc. 174.
Weiss, R. F. & Fintelmann, V. ( 2000) Herbal Medicine. Theime. 247-248.
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