Burdock: The All-Purpose Alterative

Burdock, which I call the ‘all-purpose alterative,’ stands out as an exceptional herb because of its comprehensive approach to alterative therapy. While I avoid making statements about an herb being helpful for everyone, Burdock is unique since it balances many different types of people needing alterative therapy.

But before we dive in, lets quickly define “alterative.” This is what I call an “umbrella action,” meaning that it’s relatively non-specific and requires further subclassification to really understand specifically how an herb in alterative. The general definition is a remedy that will help open up the body’s channels of elimination, such as the bowel, liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs. Many will also be working on the blood, extracellular fluid, and lymphatics. With so many channels of elimination, the alterative category is vast, and is best further clarified by defining what channels an herb will operate on, and even what other specific actions it has. Examples of this would be lymphagogue alteratives, diuretic alteratives, laxative alteratives, bitter tonic alteratives, and antidyscratic alteratives. These help us to refine our understanding of what exact type of alterative an herb is thus how it will be applied therapeutically. More often than not, alteratives are used to treat the underlying pattern of “bad blood syndrome,” or damp-heat conditions. 

One of Burdock’s key strengths lies in its effectiveness and gentleness, distinguishing it from more intense alterative herbs like Pokeroot (Phytolacca decandra). Its relatively neutral energetics (not overly warming or cooling, moistening or drying) make it suitable for a wide range of people, regardless of constitution, making it a safe choice for many.

This herb has a rich history spanning both Eastern and Western herbal traditions. In Chinese medicine, the seed is primarily utilized, whereas Western herbalism focuses on the root. However, both parts have historical usage in various traditions. Here we’ll be focusing on Burdock root. 

Burdock’s Latin name, Arctium lappa, traces its etymology to the Greek word arktos, associated with the bear. We can see other associations with the bear with Burdock’s furry, stiff, and bristly seed heads. We also see the brown coloration and furryness of the roots as well, similar to the root crowns of Osha, another bear medicine.  

Common name: Burdock 

Latin name: Arctium lappa

Family: Asteraceae

Part Used: Seed, Root 

Tastes: Oily, Mildly Bitter, Sweet, Salty (mineral salt)

Affinities: Liver, Digestive System, Blood, Extracellular Fluids, Lymphatics, Skin, Kidneys 

Actions: Diaphoretic (seed), Alterative, Bitter Tonic (mild), Diuretic, Lymphagogue

Energetics: Neutral to slightly cooling, neutral moisture 

Taste

Burdock has an interesting and complex flavor profile. Its roots contain fixed oils, giving it an oily taste while also offering a subtle blend of bitterness and sweetness. Underneath these tastes lies a certain mineral salt flavor that tends to be covered up by the slight bitter and sweetness, but it is there. This unique combination of tastes contributes to its distinct organ affinities and actions, which are in a way a bit complex. 

Affinities

Burdock targets the liver due to its bitterness, which helps to slightly aid in fat and oil digestion. The oiliness of the roots also give it a slight hepatic affinity. The degree of stimulation depends on the bitterness of the plant, with stronger bitters leading to a stronger effect. Even though Burdock is only mildly bitter, its oiliness enhances its impact on this system, particularly the gallbladder. The gallbladder is acutely sensitive to oils since its job is to secrete bile for fat emulsification, absorption, and elimination. Because of this, Burdock has wide-sweeping effects on digestion as a whole. The presence of inulin in Burdock—a prebiotic starch—nourishes beneficial gut flora and helps to restores digestive function over time. I tend to think of it a bit more on the metabolic functioning aspects of the liver, in terms of detoxification, and only slightly on the digestive side (though it certainly does both). 

This herb’s influence on the liver extends to a secondary affinity for the blood. In traditional herbalism, the term blood encompasses not only the liquid running through your veins but also your extracellular fluids. These fluids surround the cells and can be packed either with nutrients or metabolic waste products. As a blood purifier, Burdock aids in keeping the extracellular fluid and lymph healthy, contributing to overall metabolic balance. Aiding in this blood purification is one of its primary affinities for the lymphatics. 

Due to its connection with the liver, digestive system, blood, extracellular fluids, and lymphatics, Burdock exhibits an affinity for the skin, particularly in chronic skin conditions. When taken internally, Burdock strengthens all the eliminatory organs that manage waste. When these organs aren’t working optimally, your body expels metabolic waste products through the skin, leading to certain types of acne, eczema, and other chronic skin conditions. By supporting these deeper eliminatory organ systems, it lessens the load on the skin and heals this pattern from the inside out. Burdock seed may provide a stronger affinity for the skin than the root since it’s more pungent, diffusive, and diaphoretic. That said, you can use both with good results. Lastly, Burdock has an affinity for the kidneys, with the seeds being a specific indication here.

Burdock has an interesting affinity for the skin that I think is a bit more direct than other herbs used as alteratives for the skin. While it’s certainly supporting the skin by its deeper actions on the liver, blood, lymphatics, and digestive system, I consider it to be in a way amphoteric for the sebaceous gland secretions, which regulate the oil secretions of the skin. This is why we can see Burdock used for dry, itchy, scaly skin conditions, as it helps increase oil secretions, and yet at the same time also works for damp-heat type skin conditions, whereby it may help tone down those oils. While I don’t necessarily have some scientific study proving this is what Burdock does, it’s a theory based on clinical observations of myself as well as other practicing herbalists. 

Actions

The common denominator in Burdock’s organ affinities is their detoxification and elimination roles in the body. This directly leads us to Burdock’s number one action: alterative.

Burdock is the quintessential alterative and is in my opinon one of the most profound ones in the Western materia medica. Alteratives are herbs that open the channels of elimination and support your body’s innate detoxification processes. They work mainly on the skin, liver, kidneys, bowel, and lungs–all channels of elimination. 

As noted earlier, there’s a lot of variance amongst the alterative materia medica depending on their organ affinities. Some work more on the bowel (Yellow dock root, Rumex crispus), while others work more in the liver (Oregon grape, Mahonia aquifolium), and yet others tend to be more kidney focused (Cleavers, Galium aparine). In my experience, Burdock is working a little bit everywhere and supports all channels of elimination— the kidneys, liver, blood, extracellular fluid, lymphatics, bowels, and skin. This is why I call it the all-purpose alterative and love to use it so much. What also makes it so almost universally applicable is that it is relatively gentle in its actions and versatile in its formulation capabilities. 

Connected to its alterative action is its property as a bitter tonic. Now to me this isn’t necessarily a primary action, nor is it its strongest capability. This is about as mild a bitter as you can get, but it does help support digestion to an extent. To maximize these benefits, I usually formulate it with other digestive remedies that are a bit more targeted. My favorite application of Burdock for the GI is as a prebiotic, as it’s incredibly rich in the prebiotic sugar inulin. It combines well with Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) for this purpose as a decoction, since inulin is strictly a water-soluble compound. 

This is what makes Burdock so unique. On the one hand it’s a cleansing, detoxifying alterative, and yet at the same time it’s also highly nutritive, nourishing, and restorative to digestion, which will in turn support absorption of assimilation of nutrients. This makes it function on both sides of metabolism: the catabolic/elimination side as well as the anabolic/nutritive side. 

Energetics

Even though most alterative herbs tend to be cooling and drying (since they primarily are used to treat damp-heat), Burdock’s energetics are balanced by its combination of sweet, oily, slightly bitter, and mineral salt taste. These tastes are associated with both hydration and strengthening of tissues, as well as draining, drying and clearing. This combination of tastes renders Burdock essentially energetically neutral in terms of temperature, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals and imbalances, which is why I call it the all-purpose alterative. That said, because it’s used to treat heat patterns, I would say that it’s neutral to slightly cooling, while the seed is slightly warmer but still close to neutral. This neutrality allows Burdock to address various imbalances without exacerbating existing conditions. Because of its neutral to cooling temperature, Burdock is good for heat patterns, especially with hot, red, and inflamed skin conditions. 

In terms of its moisture energetics, Burdock is also close to neutral. Although it increases fluid secretions and opens channels of elimination it doesn’t excessively dry out the body. This is likely due to its oiliness and sweet taste. I consider it to be beneficial for both damp and dry tissue states, particularly of the skin. As a sebaceous gland regulator, Burdock balances oil secretions, beneficial for eczema that’s dry and flaky or damp and weepy. Another way it balances skin hydration is through its bitterness, which aids in fat and oil digestion and keeps the skin hydrated in a roundabout way. 

As seen with the skin, Burdock balances the dry/atrophy and damp/stagnation tissue states. Aside from the skin, you can see its affinity for these patterns in the digestive system. In digestion, Burdock addresses both dry and damp patterns. For people with insufficient bile flow and poor fat absorption, Burdock improves gut health with its inulin content, enhances digestive secretions as a bitter tonic, and clears tissue stagnation as an alterative. Conversely, for those with sluggish metabolism and poor waste elimination, Burdock facilitates waste removal, promotes liver function, and alleviates skin conditions resulting from toxin buildup.

Although you might think of the toxic pattern in regards to dampness, it can also happen in excess dryness since there are insufficient fluids needed to carry away metabolic waste products through the lymph. Luckily, Burdock works on this toxic pattern in damp and dry states. 

Burdock’s balancing qualities on moisture and neutral temperature would lead to me to classify it—dare I say— as a tridoshic herb, balancing all three doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha. It cools the excessive heat and oiliness of pitta, nourishes and strengthens the deficiencies and dryness of vata, and detoxifies the heaviness, dampness, and stagnations of kapha, making it suitable for all constitutions. Its balancing effect on all the doshas makes it a versatile, safe, and effective herbal remedy for many, not only because of its relatively mild and neutral energetics, but because this simply isn’t a very strong plant. It’s effects are relatively mild and most notable when taken for longer periods of time. After all, it’s so mild it can be eaten as a food. 

Psychological and Emotional Aspects 

“On a psychological level, Burdock helps us deal with our worries about the unknown… which lurk in the dark woods beyond our control. It seizes upon deep complex issues, penetrates to the core and brings up old memories and new answers. It gives us faith to move ahead on our path, despite the unknown problems that might snare us on our way. It helps the person who is afraid become more hardy, while it brings the hardy wanderer back to his original path. It restores vigor and momentum.”

~ Mathew Wood

Burdock is believed to help you shed false perceptions of yourself, revealing the truth that resides within. By removing toxic influences, whether they stem from family, peers, or culture, Burdock facilitates the cleansing of psychological and emotional patterns that obscure your authentic self. This purification process creates space for your true essence to emerge, allowing all the different parts of your soul to reintegrate and lead you toward wholeness.

The connection between the Earth Element and Burdock speaks to its practical teachings in caring for your body, home, and land. Matthew Wood associates Burdock with the fear of the unknown. Burdock encourages you to ground yourself in the present moment and plant firm roots that anchor you. By reconnecting you with your bodily wisdom, primal instincts, and the Earth’s innate wisdom, Burdock fosters trust in yourself and your ability to navigate life’s journey.

Alchemical Correspondences

Burdock’s association with Jupiter offers insights into its medicinal properties and therapeutic effects. Jupiter, known as the gas planet, embodies qualities of expansion and growth (in a way moving into the unknown), as well as the development of faith and belief, both in oneself and something greater than the self. Jupiter’s medical influence governs metabolism, the process of tissue building and breakdown, and the regulation of fats and oils—key functions mirrored in Burdock’s actions.

The liver, Jupiter’s main organ correspondence, aligns with Burdock’s affinity for this vital organ. Both entities share a role in regulating oils and fat tissue, as well as influencing anabolic metabolism. The oiliness of Burdock’s roots further drives its connection to Jupiter’s domain, symbolizing the intelligence behind fat and oil metabolism and regulation.

Interestingly, individuals with an excess of Jupiter may struggle with gluttony and lack boundaries, akin to the boundaryless nature of the gas planet. This excess can manifest in overconsumption of food, drink, drugs, or gambling, leading to stagnation, weight gain, and internal toxicity. In short, the excesses of Jupiter can put a burden on the liver. Burdock’s therapeutic patterns, particularly its efficacy in addressing damp heat, align with Jupiter’s energetic influence, making it beneficial for both excess and deficiency of Jupiter.

In cases of Jupiter deficiency, characterized by thinness, weakness, and poor absorption of fats and oils, Burdock aids in enhancing fat absorption and utilization, promoting healthy weight gain and warmth. Across various aspects, from metabolic regulation to energetic balance, the correspondence between Burdock and Jupiter underscores its significance as a potent herbal ally associated with growth, nourishment, and vitality.

Burdock corresponds with the Earth Element, evident through various facets of its morphology and medicinal properties. Physically, Burdock is a robust plant with large, broad leaves—a characteristic reminiscent of Earth Element patterns. Additionally, its root, the part primarily used for its medicinal benefits, exhibits a sweet taste, which aligns with the Earth Element property in Ayurveda.

Moreover, the oiliness present in Burdock underscores another Earth Element quality, particularly in how it influences metabolism and supports the building and strengthening of bodily tissues. This oiliness contributes to its role in nourishing and fortifying the body as a whole, resonating with the grounding and stabilizing attributes associated with the Earth Element. 

Preparation

Like with most roots, Burdock is best prepared as a long-simmered decoction. To prepare this, combine 1 tablespoon of dried Burdock root in a small saucepan and cover it with two cups of water. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the decoction steep for an additional 40 minutes before drinking. To prepare a more concentrated inulin rich preparation, decoct Burdock very gently until the water has cooked down by half. 

Another way you can prepare Burdock Burdock is by using the fresh root in soups and broths. Simply slice it and add, similar to daikon and carrots. You can often find Burdock sold under the name Gobo in many Asian produce markets. If you prefer to make a Burdock tincture, prepare it at a lower alcohol percentage (~30%) since most of its active constituents are water-soluble. This ensures you extract the therapeutic properties of the plant and can utilize them in a concentrated form. 

Burdock stands as a versatile herb, adept at restoring balance within the body with gentleness and strength. Because of its applications for numerous organ systems and processes in the body, combined with its safety, Burdock is a fantastic herb for beginner and seasoned herbalists alike. 

Despite its simplicity, Burdock holds a wealth of knowledge and therapeutic potential waiting to be explored. By revisiting and deepening our understanding of this humble herb, you can continue to uncover its hidden depths and nuances. In the ever-expanding world of herbal medicine, it’s essential to maintain a sense of humility and curiosity, recognizing that there is always more to learn. Burdock serves as a potent reminder of the profound wisdom contained within even the simplest of plants. By returning to these foundational herbs time and again, we can deepen our connection to the natural world and expand our knowledge of plant medicine.

Mild Lymphatic Triplet

 33.3%  Burdock root (Arctium lappa)

33.3%  Cleavers (Galium aparine)

33.3%  Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

This triplet combines three gentle herbs for the lymphatic system. Burdock is a full-spectrum alterative, supporting the lymphatics, liver, GI, kidneys and blood. Red Clover is also lymphagogue, but also provides support for the blood and kidneys, with an additional benefit of a slightly demulcent/moistening action on the respiratory system. Cleavers is lymphagogue with a specific affinity for the kidneys and urinary tract as a diuretic, as well as helping clear the lymphatics of the throat. This makes for a versatile and gentle lymphagogue triplet for a wide variety of conditions from lymphadenopathy, infections that cause lymphatic swelling, cystic breast disease, uterine cysts, as well as for chronic skin conditions.