Synonyms: Bardana, Bardane Root, Beggar's Buttons, Clotbur, Edible Burdock, Gobo, Great Bur, Great Burdock, Lappa, Niu Bang Dze, Niu Bang Zi, Thorny Burr
Family: Compositae
Genus species: Arctium lappa, Arctium majus
Type: Biennial or perennial herb
Part Used: Dried first year root
Location: Bulgaria, Europe, former Yugoslavia, Hungary, North America, northern Asia, Poland
Actions: Absorbs toxins from the bowels, alterative, antihypercholesterolemic, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, antipyretic, antiseptic, antitumor, antitussive, appetite stimulant, astringent, bacteriostatic, bitter, blood purifier, demulcent, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive system alterative, diuretic, expectorant, fungistatic, liver alterative, lymphagogue, mild diuretic, mild laxative, muscular alterative, powerful immunostimulant, skeletal alterative
Indications: Abscess, acidosis, acne, allergies, anorexia nervosa, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, boil, bronchitis, cancer, canker sores, catarrh, chicken pox, chronic fatigue syndrome, cirrhosis, cystitis, eczema, gout, headache, hepatitis, herpes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, ichthyosis, immunodeficiency, lithiasis, lumbago, measles, pneumonia, psoriasis, rheumatism, sciatica, skin disorders, skin ulcer, smallpox, stomatitis, syphilis, urethritis, urinary tract infection, wounds
Chemicals & Nutrients: Aluminum, Calcium, Carbohydrates (53%), Chromium, Cobalt, Fats (0.4%), Fiber (6%), Inulin (35%), Iodine, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein (7%), Silicon, Sodium, Zinc
Preparation & Dosages: (3x/day)
Decoction: 1:20 in water, dose 500 ml/day
Dried Root: 2-6 g or by infusion
Fluid Extract: 1:1 in 60% alcohol, dose; 15-30 drops up to 3x/day
Infusion, Cold: 2-4 ounces
Liquid Extract: 1:1 in 25 % alcohol, dose 2-8 ml
Tincture, Dry Root: 1:5 in 60% alcohol, dose; 30-90 drops up to 3x/day
Tincture, Fresh Root: 1:2 in 60% alcohol, dose; 30-90 drops up to 3x/day
Tincture: 1:10 in 45% alcohol, dose 8-12 ml
Contraindications: Lactation, pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Hypoglycemic drugs. May potentiate antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs. May antagonize antiarrhythmics if hypokalemia results. Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Interferes with the absorption of iron and other minerals when taken internally.
Side Effects: (Possible adverse effects and/or overdose effects) May increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Warning: Interferes with iron absorption.