Burdock Root Tincture

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)

Traditional uses: Blood Purifier | Whole Body Tonic | Supports Liver, Kidneys, Skin and Digestion | Hepatoprotective. 

Overview

Burdock root is a deeply grounding herb traditionally known as a “blood purifier” and tonic for the whole system. Revered in both Western and Asian medicine, it supports the liver, kidneys, skin, and digestion. With its rich store of prebiotic fibres, antioxidants, and detoxifying compounds, burdock works to gently restore balance, making it a valuable herb for chronic inflammatory conditions, sluggish elimination, and skin health.

Active Constituents

• Inulin (prebiotic fibre that supports gut flora and blood sugar balance)
• Lignans (arctiin, arctigenin)
• Polyacetylenes (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory)
• Tannins
• Volatile oils
• Mucilage
• Sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol)
• Phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid)

Medicinal Properties

• Hepatoprotective (supports liver function and detoxification)
• Alterative (gradually restores health by “cleaning” the blood and tissues)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Mild diuretic (supports kidney clearance)
• Antimicrobial
• Prebiotic (feeds beneficial gut bacteria)
• Antitumor and cytotoxic activity (studied in vitro)
• Hypoglycaemic (supports healthy blood sugar levels)

Traditional Uses

• Widely used in Western herbal medicine as a blood cleanser to help with skin eruptions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
• Considered a digestive bitter, stimulating appetite and bile flow.
• Traditionally taken for rheumatic and arthritic complaints linked with “toxic” accumulation.
• In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burdock seed and root are used to clear “heat and toxins,” particularly from the skin and lungs.
• Used historically as a nutritive tonic for convalescence and long-term chronic conditions.

Scientific Insights

• Liver health: Animal studies confirm burdock’s hepatoprotective effects, helping to reduce oxidative stress and improve detoxification pathways.
• Blood sugar regulation: Inulin and polyphenols help stabilise blood glucose, making burdock beneficial for metabolic health.
• Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant: Arctigenin and chlorogenic acid reduce oxidative damage and inflammatory responses, supporting skin and joint health.
• Gut health: Inulin serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn supports immunity and digestion.
• Cancer research: Arctigenin has shown cytotoxic effects against tumour cells in early laboratory studies, though more human trials are needed.

Energetic & Spiritual Qualities

• Grounding, earthy, and strengthening, burdock connects body and mind to stability and resilience.
• Clears stagnant “toxicity” on physical and emotional levels, aiding release and renewal.
• Associated with protection and warding off negative energies in folklore.

Contraindications

• Generally safe when used as food or tea.
• Use caution in pregnancy as burdock may stimulate uterine contractions.
• Avoid if allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, daisies).
• May interact with blood sugar–lowering medications and diuretics.

Disclaimer

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.