Greater Burdock: Benefits, Uses and Precautions

Dr. Boris Wydoff

Greater burdock, or burdock, is a biennial plant with large leaves and a thick, fleshy root. In herbal medicine references, the root is traditionally described as a diuretic and diaphoretic. It is also used for edema, kidney stones, colds, gout, and rheumatic joint conditions. The root also has a well-known external use for hair.

What is this plant and how can you recognize it?

Greater burdock (Arctium lappa L.) belongs to the daisy, or aster, family. It is a biennial herbaceous plant. It can reach 1.5–3 meters in height. Burdock has a thick, fleshy taproot.

In the first year, a rosette of basal leaves develops. In the second year, a stem appears. The plant flowers, produces fruit, and dies after the seeds mature. Flowering takes place in July–August, and the fruits ripen in August–September.

Burdock leaves are large and rounded. They can reach about half a meter in diameter. The undersides of the leaves are grayish and felt-like, with long stalks. Because of these leaves, burdock is difficult to confuse with most other wild plants.

The flowers are tubular and lilac-purple. They are gathered into large, almost spherical flower heads. The involucre consists of stiff bracts with hooked tips. These hooks catch on people's clothing and animal fur.

This is how burdock spreads its seeds. This feature is known far beyond the areas where it grows. A reference guide to wild plants notes that burdock prefers soil rich in nitrates and therefore often grows near human dwellings.

Why does burdock spread so easily?

After the seeds ripen, the flower heads break off easily. Their hooked bracts catch on animal fur and human clothing, allowing the fruits to be carried long distances. This method of dispersal made the plant especially noticeable and helped it spread widely.

In everyday speech, this feature gave rise to the expression “stuck like a burdock.” The name “burdock” is also connected with the nature of the plant and its clinging flower heads.

Other burdock species are also found. In the same areas, you may see woolly burdock, or cobwebby burdock, and lesser burdock. Cobwebby burdock has smaller flower heads and denser hairs. Herbal references note that woolly burdock is used alongside greater burdock.

Where did the name come from?

The Russian name “лопух” is associated with the plant's broad leaves. In everyday speech, the word eventually acquired a figurative meaning as well. The Latin genus name Arctium is associated with the ancient Greek word arktos, meaning “bear,” while the species name lappa means “clinging.” The name reflects the plant's characteristic feature—its clinging flower heads.

The history of burdock's spread is also connected with its fruits. Historical accounts state that at the beginning of the 19th century, burdock reached Western Europe with the baggage trains of the Russian army pursuing Napoleon. Its fruits were easily carried by people and animals because of the numerous hooks on the flower-head bracts.

What are the benefits of burdock root?

The main medicinal raw material is the root. It contains up to 45% inulin, about 12% protein, essential and fatty oils, palmitic and stearic acids, sitosterol and stigmasterol, tannins, and bitter substances. The roots are also rich in minerals.

The leaves contain tannins, essential oil, and ascorbic acid.

What is found in the root?

Inulin is especially notable: its content in the roots can reach 45%. In addition, the composition includes protein substances, essential and fatty oils, palmitic and stearic acids, sitosterol, stigmasterol, tannins, and bitter substances.

Herbal references separately note that the roots are rich in minerals. The leaves differ from the root in their composition: they contain tannins, essential oil, and ascorbic acid.

According to herbal medicine references, burdock preparations have traditionally been used for different purposes. The root is described primarily as a diuretic and diaphoretic. In the past, it was used in medicine in this capacity.

Urinary system

Burdock root is traditionally used as a diuretic. References describe its use for edema and kidney stones. In folk herbal medicine, a root decoction was also used for the kidneys and ureters. The use of such a decoction for chronic constipation is also described separately.

This does not mean that any urinary system condition can be treated on your own with plants. If you have pain, blood in the urine, urinary retention, or other pronounced symptoms, you need a doctor.

Metabolism and joints

Herbal references describe burdock root as a remedy traditionally used to support metabolic processes. In particular, it is associated with traditional use for gout and rheumatic joint conditions.

References also describe the effects of burdock preparations on metabolic processes. These statements refer to traditional use of the plant described in the literature.

Digestion

Herbal medicine references note an effect of burdock preparations on stomach and intestinal functions. In folk medicine, a root decoction was used for chronic constipation. There is also information about the choleretic effect of burdock preparations. For this reason, the root appears in descriptions of herbal raw materials traditionally used to support digestive processes.

Colds

Burdock roots are traditionally used as an antipyretic and diaphoretic remedy for colds. This is one of the older uses of the plant. In the past, the diuretic and diaphoretic effects of the root were among its best-known properties.

External use

Burdock also has a separate use for hair. According to reference sources, an infusion of the roots in almond or olive oil is known as “burdock oil” and is used for hair growth and strengthening.

In folk practice, the root decoction was also used to wash the hair for strengthening. Burdock use is not limited to taking the root internally. The root was also used externally, especially for hair care.

How do you prepare a decoction correctly?

If you are searching for “how to brew greater burdock,” it is important to distinguish ordinary brewing from a specific decoction recipe.

Folk herbal guides describe a burdock root decoction used for the kidneys and ureters, as well as for chronic constipation. For it, take one tablespoon each of finely chopped dandelion and burdock roots. Pour three glasses of water over the mixture.

Soak the roots overnight. In the morning, boil over low heat for seven minutes. Then remove from the heat and let it steep covered for another twenty minutes. After that, strain the decoction.

This exact preparation sequence is given in the herbal guide.

This recipe uses not burdock alone but a mixture of burdock and dandelion roots. Therefore, do not change the ingredients, amount of raw material, or volume of water on your own.

References also describe external use of the root. An infusion in almond or olive oil is called “burdock oil.” It is traditionally used for hair.

What else is made from burdock?

Burdock is known not only as a medicinal plant. Guides to wild plants state that roots, young leaves, and shoots can be used to prepare vegetable dishes. Burdock is considered an edible wild plant. This is a separate aspect of its use.

How is burdock used in cooking?

In many countries, burdock has long been considered a vegetable plant. In Japan, there are commercial burdock plantations. Its root can be used instead of carrots, parsley, and parsnips.

Young roots are especially valued in autumn. They are described as edible raw, baked, and fried. The roots are also added to soups instead of potatoes and used to make preserves and marmalade.

Young leaves and stalks are used in salads, soups, and broths. They are boiled and eaten with butter. Roasted roots are used as a coffee substitute. There is also a traditional way to prepare young shoots: they are soaked in cold water, then boiled, the skin is removed from the stems, they are cut and fried with other foods. The main medicinal raw material, however, is the root. In pharmacognostic descriptions, it is listed under the trade name Radix Bardanae.

Food use of the plant should not be confused with medicinal use. If the plant is being used as a folk herbal remedy, especially when you have a medical condition or take medicines, it is better to discuss the matter with a specialist.

When and how should the root be harvested?

The main harvesting rule concerns the age of the plant. According to reference sources, medicinal burdock roots are dug up in September–October of the first year of vegetation. During this period, first-year roots remain juicy and fleshy. Second-year roots become woody and are unsuitable for medicinal purposes. After digging, the roots are cleaned of soil and washed with water. Then the above-ground parts are cut off at the root collar. The skin is removed from the root.

The prepared raw material is cut into pieces 10–15 cm long. Thick roots are also cut lengthwise. The roots are dried outdoors or in a well-ventilated room.

There is another reason to choose the harvesting site carefully. Burdock prefers soil rich in nitrates and often grows near human dwellings. Therefore, the place where it is collected matters. For medicinal raw material, it is better to choose clean areas away from polluted locations.

Why is it important to collect first-year roots?

In its first year, biennial burdock forms a basal rosette and develops a juicy, fleshy root. In the second year, the plant directs its energy toward stem formation, flowering, and fruiting, after which the root becomes woody.

Therefore, the calendar date alone is not enough. When harvesting, you need to consider not only the month but also the age of the plant. For medicinal raw material, roots from the first year of vegetation are suitable.

How is greater burdock used?

To summarize the information in reference sources, the main use is associated with the root.

In the past, the roots were used as a diuretic and diaphoretic. In folk herbal medicine, the root was used for edema, kidney stones, colds, gout, rheumatic joint conditions, and chronic constipation.

A choleretic effect of burdock preparations has also been described. Externally, the root was used for hair care. The plant has also been known in medical history for a long time. Greater burdock roots were included in the national pharmacopoeia in its first three editions.

At the same time, an old description of a plant's use should not be taken as proof that it is effective for every disease. Burdock remains medicinal plant material with specific traditional uses.

How can you find greater burdock abroad?

Abroad, greater burdock (*Arctium lappa*) is sold under different names. When searching, it is important to check the Latin name and the plant part listed on the package.

• USA: Burdock, Greater burdock, Common burdock, Bardane.
• Germany: Große Klette, Klette.
• France: Grande bardane, Bardane, Herbe aux poux.
• Latin: *Arctium lappa*.

In what forms is it sold?

The root is most commonly used:

• dried, cut, or ground—including for preparing decoctions;
• powder—in capsules or tablets;
• liquid extract or tincture;
• sometimes tea bags, including blends with other roots, such as dandelion.

Where to look

• USA: health food stores, specialized supplement stores, online herb stores, and some well-stocked supermarkets.
• Germany: *Apotheke*, *Reformhaus*, online pharmacies, and herb stores (*Apotheken-Versandhandel*).
• France: *Pharmacie*, *Herboristerie*, organic food stores (*magasins bio*), and specialized online stores.

Check the package for the name *Arctium lappa*, the plant part—*Radix* (root)—and whether it is identified as a medicinal product or an ordinary food supplement. If available, look for organic certification: USDA Organic, EU Organic/*Bio*-Siegel, or AB (*Agriculture Biologique*).

Sales rules vary by country: in the USA, such products are sold as dietary supplements, while in Germany, medicinal tea (*Arzneitee*) must meet established pharmaceutical quality requirements.

Contraindications and precautions

When using burdock, correct plant identification and the quality of the raw material are important. This is especially significant for wild plants collected yourself.

Do not use unknown mixtures or raw material if there is any doubt about which plant was collected. Cases of using other plant material instead of burdock have been described in the literature.

With chronic diseases, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, in childhood, and when taking medicines regularly, it is better to discuss the use of medicinal plants with a doctor beforehand.

Extra caution is needed in people with plant allergies. Burdock belongs to the daisy family, so if you know you are intolerant to plants in this family, discuss its use with a specialist.

Do not use burdock on your own as a replacement for prescribed treatment. Traditional use of the plant does not replace diagnosis and medical care.

When do you need a doctor?

You need a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent, or getting worse. It is especially important to seek medical care for severe pain, high fever, problems urinating, blood in the urine, significant swelling, or other new symptoms. You should also consult a specialist if you want to use burdock together with medicines. With chronic diseases, a doctor determines the diagnosis and treatment. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, and people taking regular medications should also discuss the use of medicinal plant material with a specialist beforehand.

If signs of an allergic reaction appear after using the plant, stop using it and seek medical attention.

Boris Wydoff — naturopath and author, Ph.D. in nutrition. For over fifty years I have helped people restore health through nutrition, cleansing and the power of the mind — in Europe, America and Asia. About the author →

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