Arctium majus – burdock root

Greater burdock, a robust biennial plant, develops a fleshy taproot. This root is harvested in the fall of the first year of growth, then cleaned, dried, and chopped. It is the most sought-after part in traditional herbal medicine.

Description

Dried fragments of fibrous root, light to dark brown in color, rough texture. Mild, slightly earthy and sweet odor.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Greater burdock, common burdock
• Latin name: Arctium majus
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Cut, dried
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
• English name: Burdock root
• Name in German: Klette wurzel
• Name in Spanish: Burdock Root
• Name in Italian: Radice di bardana
• Name in Arabic: جذر الأرقطيون (Jidhdhir al-Arqatyūn)

Main virtues

Traditionally used to support the body's drainage, the root is known to be beneficial for problem skin and oily scalps in cosmetics.

Main constituents

Inulin, polyphenols, phenolic acids, mucilages, lignans, mineral salts.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 to 2 tablespoons for 250 ml of water, boil for 10 to 15 minutes, filter and drink warm.
• External use: decoction applied as a compress to the skin or used as a hair rinse.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Not recommended in case of allergy to Asteraceae.
• Moderate use recommended over time.
• Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice.

History and origin

Used since ancient times for its purifying properties, burdock root has survived the centuries as an ally in spring cures and skin care. It is present in many medicinal traditions, including traditional Chinese and European medicine.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from light, humidity and heat.
• Packaging: kraft bag, metal box, airtight jar.
• Appearance: dry pieces of fibrous root.
• Smell: sweet, woody, slightly sweet.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Medicinal flora of Europe
• Corpus of traditional herbalism
• Historical and popular pharmacopoeias

🔎 Information

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