Burdock

Parts Used & Where Grown

Burdock is native to Asia and Europe. The root is the primary source of many herbal preparations. The root becomes very soft with chewing and tastes sweet, with a mucilaginous (sticky) texture.

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a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Amount	Why
Acne Rosacea	Refer to label instructions	The herb burdock is believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally and has been used historically to treat skin conditions.
Acne Rosacea Historically, tonic herbs, such as burdock, have been used in the treatment of skin conditions. These herbs are believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally.⁴ Burdock root tincture may be taken in 2 to 4 ml amounts per day. Dried root preparations in a capsule or tablet can be used at 1 to 2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations combine burdock root with other alterative herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers. In the treatment of acne rosacea, none of these herbs has been studied in scientific research. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Acne Vulgaris	Refer to label instructions	Tonic herbs such as burdock are believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally and have been used historically to treat skin conditions.
Acne Vulgaris Historically, tonic herbs, such as burdock, have been used in the treatment of skin conditions. These herbs are believed to have a cleansing action when taken internally.⁵ Burdock root tincture may be taken in the amount of 2 to 4 ml per day. Dried root preparations in a capsule or tablet can be used at 1 to 2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations combine burdock root with other alterative herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers. In the treatment of acne, none of these herbs has been studied in scientific research. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Eczema	Refer to label instructions	Burdock has been used historically to treat people with eczema. Learn More
Menopause	Refer to label instructions	Burdock is an herb with weak estrogen-like actions similar to soy. In one trial, a formula containing tinctures of licorice, burdock, dong quai, wild yam, and motherwort reduced menopause symptoms.
Menopause A variety of herbs with weak estrogen-like actions similar to the effects of soy have traditionally been used for women with menopausal symptoms.⁶ These herbs include licorice, alfalfa, and red clover. In a double-blind trial, a formula containing tinctures of licorice, burdock, dong quai, wild yam, and motherwort (30 drops three times daily) was found to reduce symptoms of menopause.⁷ No effects on hormone levels were detected in this study. In a separate double-blind trial, supplementation with dong quai (4.5 grams three times daily in capsules) had no effect on menopausal symptoms or hormone levels.⁸ A double-blind trial using a standardized extract of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), a relative of red clover, containing 40 mg isoflavones per tablet did not impact symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, though it did improve function of the arteries.⁹ An extract of red clover, providing 82 mg of isoflavones per day, also was ineffective in a 12-week double-blind study.¹⁰ In another double-blind study, however, administration of 80 mg of isoflavones per day from red clover reduced the frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The benefit was noticeable after 4 weeks of treatment and became more pronounced after a total of 12 weeks.¹¹ Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Psoriasis	Refer to label instructions	In traditional herbal texts, burdock root was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally and externally for psoriasis.
Psoriasis In traditional herbal texts, burdock root was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins.¹² It was used both internally and externally for psoriasis. Traditional herbalists recommend 2 to 4 ml of burdock root tincture per day. For the dried root preparation in tablet or capsule form, the common amount to take is 1 to 2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations will combine burdock root with other alterative herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers. Burdock root has not been studied in clinical trials to evaluate its efficacy in helping people with psoriasis. Learn More

Used for	Amount	Why
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Refer to label instructions	Burdock root has been used historically both internally and externally to treat painful joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Burdock root has been used historically both internally and externally to treat painful joints. Its use in the treatment of people with RA remains unproven. Learn More

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

In traditional herbal texts, burdock root is described as a “blood purifier” or “alterative” and was believed to clear the bloodstream of toxins. It was used both internally and externally for eczema and psoriasis, as well as to treat painful joints and as a diuretic. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock root in combination with other herbs is used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, colds, and even measles. In Japan, it is eaten as a vegetable.

Burdock root has recently become popular as part of a tea to treat cancer. To date, however, research is insufficient to promote burdock for this application.

Also indexed as:

Arctium lappa,
burdock

About this treatment

Common names:

Burdock Root

Botanical names:

Arctium lappa

How It Works

Burdock root contains high amounts of inulin and mucilage. This may explain its soothing effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Bitter constituents in the root may also explain the traditional use of burdock to improve digestion. Additionally, burdock has been shown to reduce liver damage in animal studies. This has not been confirmed in human studies, however. It also contains polyacetylenes that have demonstrated anti-microbial activity. Even though test tube and animal studies have indicated some anti-tumor activity in burdock root, these results have not been duplicated in human studies. Several animal and test tubes studies have also suggested an anti-inflammatory effect of unknown compounds in burdock root or seeds, including an ability to inhibit the potent inflammation-causing chemical platelet activating factor.

How to Use It

Traditional herbalists recommend 2–4 ml of burdock root tincture per day. For the dried root preparation in capsule form, some herbalists recommend 1–2 grams three times per day. Many herbal preparations combine burdock root with other alterative “blood cleansing” herbs, such as yellow dock, red clover, or cleavers.

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Last Review: 05-11-2011

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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