How many of us can recall times of walking through an open field, only to be annoyed by the burrs we collected on our socks or pant legs? Those burrs might well be the only unwanted part of the burdock plant. It grows wild in Asia, Europe, and North America. If you eat the root, it tastes sweet and feels gummy. The stalks taste like celery, and the leaves are bitter like dandelion.

Burdock’s active ingredients are arcigen, calcium, chlorogenic acid, essential oil, flavonoids, inulin, lactone, mucilage, polyacetylenes, potassium, resin, tannin, and taraxosterol. It contains vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin C and a few other vitamins. Burdock provides significant amounts of chromium, copper, iron, and magnesium. The root also contains trace amounts of organic mercury, making it ideal for mercury detox formulas.

Historically, burdock seeds were used to make a mixture that eased pain from arthritis. It was also used to treat rheumatism, gout, ulcers, acne, psoriasis, and eczema. These seeds contain beneficial fatty acids and the oil from the seeds can increase perspiration, cleansing the body during influenza, gallbladder or liver disorders. It also helps cleans the kidneys. The burdock tea or just the leaves or tea can be used to treat poison ivy or poison oak. Some just like to eat the leaves or roots as a food.

The most popular western use of burdock root and seeds is as a primary herb in blood purifier formulas. Just how this works is uncertain though it seems to be related to its diuretic properties. It has many nutrients like iron, inulin (a carbohydrate), and beneficial oils. Also, burdock root can be used as a gentle laxative and help rid the body of uric acid. Some active ingredients of burdock are polyacetylenes, that are known to be effective antibacterials and antifungals.

Traditionally, burdock root has been used as a remedy for measles, arthritis, tonsillitis, viruses like colds, throat pain, and as a diuretic. The Chinese used it as an aphrodisiac, and believe it to be effective in treating barrenness and impotence.

Externally, the burdock root extract has been used in Europe to treat dandruff and encourage healthy hair growth. Patients simply massaged burdock root oil into their scalp. Also, arctigenin, a substance in burdock, may be effective in slowing cancerous tumor growth. The root contains Essiac and Hoxsey, both ingredients of cancer treatment medications.

Burdock is easily obtainable as an ingredient in teas, ointments, Bur oil, or pills. Many herbalists say it is safe to be taken internally, externally, or as food. However, it is important to make sure that the herb is pure. It is not toxic this way. Be careful in gathering it yourself. It looks a bit like belladonna, a plant that can be fatally toxic if ingested.

If you have abnormal blood sugar levels, use it cautiously. It may work too good. Should pregnant women use burdock? Some say no, because may cause uterine contractions. Others disagree. Because it is such a powerful cleanser, it is best when used in combination with other herbs. If you want to use it by itself, start with small amounts. Also, it may not work immediately as a blood cleaner. Give it three months to do its work.