Herbal Actions: Alterative – Anti-inflammatory – Bitter – Cholagogue – Diuretic – Diaphoretic – Hepatic – Laxative – Lymphatic
In the late spring or summer of its second year, Burdock sends up a stalk and grows small pink or purplish flowers from the top of a spiny ball of hooked bracts, or burs.
When the plant reaches it’s seed stage after flowering, Burdock is definitely not the most beautiful plant, but it’s herbal benefits make it a very appealing plant to have in your herbal medicine chest.
If you wish to use Burdock seed in any of your herbal preparations, I would advise you to use it only under the supervision of your natural healthcare provider, as the seeds are stronger and more potent in their medicinal effects than Burdock root, and also have some other medicinal effects and actions that the root does not have.
The seeds have stronger alterative or blood cleansing properties. Since the alterative or blood cleansing action of burdock root is milder, it will not provoke the eruption of latent skin rashes. The same can’t be said of the seeds. Burdock seeds also have antihistamine and anti-swelling effects, especially on the throat, as well as a cooling and sedating diaphoretic effect. Although Burdock root has a gentle aperient laxative effect on the bowels, the seeds have a more pronounced laxative action. The cholagogue action of the seeds on the liver is also greater than that of the root.
Burdock seeds are far more potent (roughly twice as strong) as the root. Because of their strength, the seeds are used in much smaller doses and proportions in normal strength herbal decoctions and powders. The seeds make an excellent alcohol tincture, where the dose would be 10 to 15 drops.
The alterative, diaphoretic, discutient and detoxifying effects of the seeds are more intense, and this makes the seeds a powerful ingredient in detox formulas, either in teas or decoctions, powders, tinctures, and other herbal preparations.
Precautions and Contraindications
Burdock is generally regarded as safe, however, it should be avoided by some people, and should not be used in applications for children. Burdock may cause hypoglycemia in those with diabetes who take blood-sugar lowering medicines. It is not recommended for people who take diuretics, as burdock’s own diuretic action can cause dehydration. For anyone taking anti-clotting medication, there is an increased risk of bleeding with burdock so it should not be used by these individuals. It may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery, so stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Burdock may trigger an allergic reaction in people sensitive to daisies, chrysanthemums, or ragweed. Discontinue use and see your health care provider immediately if you suspect an allergic reaction. Do not use if you’re pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, as the herb has been reported to stimulate the uterus and possibly cause premature labor.