Description
In TCM, Burdock Root , (Niú Bàng Gēn, 牛蒡根) is a powerful herb known for its ability to clear “toxins” and “heat” from the body. It is particularly effective for treating conditions involving heat and toxicity in the throat, lungs, and skin.
These properties are key to its action. Its cold nature powerfully clears heat, while its pungent flavor helps to disperse and expel pathogens, and its bitter flavour drains and purges heat and fire.
Cold in nature. Pungent / Acrid, Bitter in taste. It enters the lungs and stomach meridians.
Burdock Root’s primary role is to clear heat and toxins, especially from the upper and outer parts of the body.
Health Benefits : Clears heat and toxins, moistens the intestines and relieves constipation, improve skin conditions, relieves sore throat, lowers the blood glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure & cholesterol.
Expels Wind-Heat : It is used for the early stages of severe external Wind-Heat conditions (like a cold or flu) with strong “heat” signs, such as :
· High fever
· Sore, swollen throat
· Cough
Clears Heat and Toxins : This is its most prominent function. It is considered a strong “fire-poison” relieving herb, making it specific for treating:
· Sore throat, tonsillitis, and mumps
· Epidemic infections with heat patterns
· Abscesses, boils, carbuncles, and acne (especially red, inflamed, and painful types)
Ventilates the Lungs and Promotes Rash Eruption : It helps to bring rashes to the surface, making it a key herb for childhood diseases like measles where the rash is not fully erupting, which can trap the pathogen inside.
Moistens the Intestines and Relieves Constipation : Its slightly oily and cold nature helps to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movement, which also helps drain heat and fire from the body.
Ideal for individual experiencing :
· Acute Sore Throat and Tonsillitis: This is a classic use. At the first sign of a severe, painful, swollen throat, Burdock Root tea or decoction is often used.
· Skin Conditions: It is a primary herb for any inflammatory skin condition driven by “heat-toxins,” including:
· Acne (especially cystic or inflammatory)
· Boils and furuncles
· Eczema and psoriasis flares with redness and heat
· Detoxification: In both TCM and modern herbalism, it is considered a key “blood purifier” and alterative, used to clear metabolic waste and support the body’s detoxification pathways.
· Latent Pathogens: TCM theory holds that Burdock Root is useful for treating lingering, unresolved external pathogens that contribute to chronic conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
It can be used as a decoction (strong boiled tea) for medicinal purposes.
Burdock Root Decoction (Tea) :
1. Use 5-15 grams of dried burdock root.
2. Place in a pot with 3-4 cups of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Strain and drink. The flavor is earthy, slightly sweet, and bitter.
Culinary Use (as Gobo) :
· Fresh burdock root (known as gobo in Japanese cuisine) is a nutritious vegetable. It can be sliced and added to soups, stir-fries, or kinpira (a Japanese sautéed dish). Cooking it as a food moderates its strong cold nature.
Classic Combinations :
· Burdock Root + Mint + Chrysanthemum : A powerful combination for a severe Wind-Heat attack with high fever and sore throat.
· Burdock Root + Dandelion + Honeysuckle : The ultimate formula for clearing heat-toxins from the skin, used for severe boils, acne, and mastitis.
· Burdock Root + Licorice : Licorice harmonizes the formula and benefits the throat, making it more effective and palatable for sore throat.
Precautions
Due to its cold nature, caution is advised.
· Spleen-Stomach Deficiency with Cold constitution : This is the primary contraindication. If you have a tendency toward weak digestion, loose stools, cold limbs, poor appetite, or bloating (signs of Spleen Qi Deficiency and Cold), you should avoid or use Burdock Root with extreme caution. Its cold nature will damage the digestive function.
· Pregnancy : Its moving and clearing properties make it unsuitable for use during pregnancy without professional guidance or a TCM practitioner. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication, consultation with a doctor is essential.
(burdock has the effect of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis)
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
