HEALTH BENEFITS OF BURDOCK (ARCTIUM LAPPA)

Burdock is commonly known as Arctium lappa, greater Burdock, edible Burdock, lappa, thorny burr, beggar’s buttons, etc.

Contents

Habitat

This plant is native to high-nitrogen-containing soils¹. It means we can find them in the east to northern Asia, North America, Australia, and most of Europe. Its also cultivated for commercial use.

Taxonomic information

Order: Asterales

Family: Asteraceae – sunflowers, tournesols

Genus: Arctium L.

Species: Arctium lappa L.

Description

It is a tall, biennial plant that can go high up to 10-feet. It has large simple leaves that are not separated into leaflets. The petiole of the leaves is long and pubescent on the underside.

The flowers appear in mid-summer and grouped in globular capitula and purple, united in clusters. The flower head is small rounded and has several tentacles. The fruits are long, compressed, with tiny pappus hairs.

Part used

The leaf, roots, and seeds (herb) are used to prepare medicinal compounds.

Burdock root

Chemical constituents

Arctium lappa extract has chemical compounds like- tannins, sterols, volatile and fatty oils, sulfur-containing polyacetylenes, and polysaccharides/mucilages.

Burdock roots contain sulfurous acetylene compounds, mucilage, bitter guaianolide, and polyacetylenes. The plant seeds hold- butyrolactone lignans, arctiin, and arctigenin.

Traditional Uses and benefits

In traditional medicines², the Arctium lappa is used to purify the blood. They also used it as diaphoretic and diuretic agents. Furthermore, its also used to increase the sex impulse.
The Burdock-containing medicines reduce fever, increase urine flow.
The plant chemicals can kill germs, and sometimes it is used as a repellent.
It additionally helps to heal anorexia nervosa, joint pain, colds, and gastrointestinal complaints.
The burdock plant is also helpful for treating high blood pressure.
Burdock is further used for dry skin, acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Some research suggests it might have a soothing effect on cancer patients.
The chemicals from this plant are sometimes used to manufacture cosmetics like- shampoo or other hair-care products.
The root is often used as a food source.

Dosage and Precautions

The dose is subject to the age, sex, and condition of the patient. Its recommended consulting a physician before administering any burdock plant containing drugs.

Burdock flower

Toxicity

Longtime use of this plant-containing drug can have toxic effects on the lungs and small intestine. Never eat the raw root of this plant. It may have harmful effects on some peoples. When used directly on the skin, it might induce a rash³.

Warning

Do not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. For some people with bleeding disorders, taking burdock may increase the risk of bleeding. Burdock may create an allergic reaction, which is terrible for some peoples who are sensitive to the Compositae or Asteraceae.

Arctium lappa drugs might lower blood sugar levels. For that reason, people with diabetes should consult a doctor before having one! Finally, the burdock might raise the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. So, avoid administering this kind of drug.

The Arctium lappa drugs can have drug interactions. So always consult with a pharmacist or physician before administering this class of drugs.

DISCLAIMER

The content and information on newerapost are for information and educational purposes only. It is not for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. It is not a medical manual. Before beginning the use of any prescription medication and pursuing any self-treatment, all readers should consult a physician.

The information given in this article is intended to help you make informed decisions for your health. You must consult with your doctor before pursuing any natural remedies if you are under care for any health condition.

Do not take any vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements without consulting your doctor if you are taking any medication. The website does not make a representation, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the information and does not accept any single responsibility for any errors or misuse.

Reference

High-nitrogen-containing soils^:Retrieved from the wikipedia.org website. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctium_lappa#Use_in_traditional_medicine
Traditional medicines: Retrieved from the nativeplanttrust.org website.

https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/arctium/lappa/