Herb library · Herb · Arctium lappa
Burdock root
The root of the big-leaved plant whose burs stick to clothing, eaten as a vegetable in Japan (gobo) and sold as a tea and extract. European regulators accept it for a few minor uses on the strength of long use; there are no controlled trials of the root in people.
Traditional use
Burdock root has a long, steady history in European folk medicine for skin and urinary complaints, gout and rheumatism, and it is part of the "Essiac" herbal mixture. Today it is sold to increase urine flow as an add-on for minor urinary complaints, for a temporary loss of appetite, and for oily (seborrheic) skin conditions.
What studies show
- Insufficient
Urinary complaints, loss of appetite and oily skin: EMA found no controlled clinical studies of burdock root alone. It accepts these uses only on the basis of long-standing use and says more clinical research is needed.
- Insufficient
Essiac (a mixture that includes burdock) and breast cancer: a study of 510 women found it did not affect quality of life or mood. Because Essiac products vary and are poorly specified, EMA says no sound conclusions can be drawn about burdock from it.
Be careful of
Cautions
- AllergyDo not use it if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family. One case of anaphylactic shock after eating boiled burdock root has been reported.
- NoteBurdock root has been contaminated with belladonna root. EMA describes a person who developed atropine-like poisoning after drinking a contaminated burdock tea, and asks that the root's quality be checked rigorously.
- InteractionTaking it together with prescription water pills (diuretics) is not recommended.
- ConditionIf you have a fever, pain on urination, cramps or blood in the urine, see a doctor. Not recommended for anyone under 18 (lack of data).
- PregnancyWithout enough data, EMA does not recommend it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“They are also called Personata, and Loppy-major, great Burdock and Clod-bur. It is so well known, even by the little boys, who pull off the Burs to throw and stick upon one another, that I shall spare to write any description of it.”
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Arctium lappa L., radix (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
- Assessment report on Arctium lappa L., radix (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
- Addendum to Assessment report on Arctium lappa L., radix (opens in a new tab) · EMA · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.