Burdock

Printable for Herbal

Arcticum lappa

Family: Asteraceae - sunflower, daisy

Parts used: roots (and leaves)

Actions

Alterative

Anti-inflammatory

Antioxidant

Demulcent

Diuretic

Hepatoprotective,

Lymphatic

Prebiotic

Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Cooling

Moistening

Liver

Skin

Uses

• Blood purifier

• Moves stagnant lymph

• Skin tonic, helps clear up eczema, psoriasis, rashes, boils and acne (internal)

• Liver and kidney support, helps process toxins

• Joint pain and inflammation (leaf poultice externally while root internally)

• Bone spurs and calcified joints

• Feeds gut flora, great for gut health

Herb Preparations

• Decoction (root tea)

• Tincture

• Herbal oil

• Salve

• Bath, steam

• Food: add root to stocks and soups

Foraging/Harvesting

Found throughout the mountain west, in disturbed soils, waysides, and trails.

• Roots should be gathered before the flower stalk is sent up in the fall or spring of its first year.