Burdock

Common Name(s)

burdock, burr seed, cocklebur, hardock, harebur, gobo, goboshi, great burdock, lappa

Scientific Name(s)

Arctium lappa L. (Asteraceae)

General Information

Burdock root has been used for centuries in Europe, North America, and Asia for a variety of ailments. In some parts of the world, the root is consumed as food.

How is this product usually used?

The dried root of the burdock plant is used medicinally. It a herb that is used orally (by mouth) or topically (on the skin). In general, the doses are:

Oral

• dried root: 2 g to 6 g, 3 times per day
• infusion: 2 g to 6 g dried root, 3 times per day
• decoction: 2 g to 6 g dried root, 3 times per day
• fluid extract: 2 g to 6 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day (1:1, 25% ethanol, 2 mL to 6 mL)
• tincture: 1.6 g to 2.4 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day (1:5, 25% ethanol, 8 mL to 12 mL) or 0.4 g to 0.8g dried equivalent, 3 times per day (1:5, 40% ethanol, 2 mL to 4 mL)

Topical

• decoction: 30 g dried root

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Burdock has been used orally for:

• diuretic purposes
• inducing sweating
• removing accumulated waste products via the kidneys, skin, and mucus membranes
• pain due to rheumatoid conditions

People have also used burdock topically for:

• skin conditions such as dry skin, and eczema

Reliable research in humans is still needed to find out whether burdock is helpful for any of these uses.

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

Common side effects of burdock may include allergic reactions (e.g., hives, redness, swelling, itchiness or burning of the skin). You should stop using burdock if these symptoms occur.

Burdock can interact with some medications. It may increase the effects of different medications including:

• blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel)

If you are using any of these medications or herbal products, consult your health care provider before using burdock.

If your symptoms persist or worsen after taking burdock, you should consult your health care provider. If you have diabetes, you should consult your health care provider before using burdock.

Do not use burdock if you are allergic to plants of the asteraceae/compositae/daisy family (e.g., chrysanthemums [mums], ragweed, marigolds, daisies).

Stop taking burdock at least 2 weeks before surgery since it can increase the risk of bleeding.

You should not use burdock if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Consult your health care provider if you have any questions.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products you may be taking.

Source(s)

1. Health Canada. Drugs & Health Products. Monograph – Burdock - Oral. http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=51&lang=eng.
2. Health Canada. Drugs & Health Products. Monograph – Burdock - Topical. http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=52&lang=eng.
3. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database – Burdock Professional Monograph.