Arctium Lappa in herbal medicine

Arctium lappa, commonly known as burdock has been used therapeutically in Europe, North America and Asia for hundreds of years. The Latin name comes from the Greek “arktos,” or bear, suggesting rough-coated fruits, and “lappa,” which means to seize.

Stout, downy, striated, branched stems (to 1 m) bear alternate, entire leaves which are large (to 50 cm long) and wide with a heart-shaped base and white down underneath. The petioles (leaf-stalks) are solid. The spherical, purple flowerheads are stalked and surrounded by dense clusters of scale-like hooked bracts.

Burdock is traditionally used to treat diseases such as sore throat and infections such as rashes, boils and various skin problems. It was also well known to Native Americans where it was used to relieve dry, scaly skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Burdock is specifically cited by Mills & Bone (Principles and practice of phytotherapy 2000) as one of five herbs which research has shown to produce, when given internally as infusions, a moderate solvent action on stones formed from urates. An alkalinizing effect on the urine or a possible urinary antiseptic action is proposed as the underlying cause of this benefit.

In the root, the active ingredients have been found to “detoxify” blood and promote blood circulation to the skin surface, improving the skin quality/texture and curing skin diseases. Antioxidants and anti-diabetic compounds have also been found in the root.

Burdock root is high in calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, sulphur and zinc, as well as amino acids, essential fatty acids, biotin, and Vitamins B1, B6, B12, E and C.

In the seeds, some active compounds possess anti-inflammatory effects, and potent inhibitory effects on the growth of tumors such as the pancreatic carcinoma. In China, seeds are used for common colds and cough.

In the leaf extract, the active compounds isolated can inhibit the growth of micro-organisms in the oral cavity.
Arctium Lappa in herbal medicine

The health benefits of burdock

Burdock botanically name, Arctium lappa Linn, belongs to the Asteraceae herbs, with English alias being the great burdock, and is a kind of health food of high nutritional value. The root has a sweet, earthy flavor and crunchy texture.

The health benefits of the burdock root make it venerable nature food. It has large concentration of vitamin and mineral, especially iron, and is actually higher in mineral than beets, carrots, potatoes or turnips.

It has more protein, calcium, and phosphorus than carrots and is an excellent source of potassium. Burdock also is an excellent source so inulin, polyphenols, chlorogneic acid, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, and unsaturated fatty acid.

Burdock root has great antibiotic qualities. It destroys bacteria; acids in blood circulation; strengthens the liver and soothes the gastrointestinal tract. It helps to eliminate heavy metals from the body.

It also helps to maintain diabetes and hypoglycemia. Burdock functions as a diaphoretic, creating sweat, which is beneficial in neutralizing and eliminating toxins.
The health benefits of burdock