BURDOCK Overview Information
Burdock is a plant. The root is sometimes used as food. The root, leaf, and seed are used to make medicine.
People take burdock to increase urine flow, kill germs, reduce fever, and “purify” their blood. It is also used to treat colds, cancer, anorexia nervosa, gastrointestinal (GI) complaints, joint pain (rheumatism), gout, bladder infections, complications of syphilis, and skin conditions including acne and psoriasis. Burdock is also used for high blood pressure, “hardening of the arteries” (arteriosclerosis), and liver disease. Some people use burdock to increase sex drive.
Burdock is applied to the skin for dry skin (ichthyosis), acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Burdock has been associated with poisonings because some products have been contaminated with root of belladonna or deadly nightshade. These herbs contain a poisonous chemical called atropine.
How does it work?
Burdock contains chemicals that might have activity against bacteria and inflammation.
BURDOCK Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Fluid retention.
- Fever.
- Anorexia.
- Stomach conditions.
- Gout.
- Acne.
- Severely dry skin.
- Psoriasis.
- Other conditions.
BURDOCK Side Effects & Safety
Burdock is safely used as a food in Asia. There's not enough information to know if burdock is safe when taken in medicinal doses.
Burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to certain flowers and herbs. When applied to the skin, it can cause a rash.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of burdock during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Burdock may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking burdock.
Surgery: Burdock might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
BURDOCK Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BURDOCK
Burdock might slow blood clotting. Taking burdock along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
BURDOCK Dosing
The appropriate dose of burdock for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for burdock. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
