Burdock Root

Burdock Root

Burdock (Arctium lappa & Arctium minus)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
  • Common Names: Burdock, Great Burdock, Lesser Burdock, Gobo (Japanese), Beggar’s Buttons
  • Parts Used: Root, leaves, seeds

Burdock is a biennial plant with large, broad leaves and purple, thistle-like flowers. It is well-known for its hooked seed burrs, which stick to fur and clothing. The plant thrives in hedgerows, fields, and roadsides throughout Europe, including the UK and Isle of Man.

Constituents

  • Inulin (Prebiotic Fiber) – Supports gut health and digestion.
  • Polyacetylenes – Have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Lignans & Flavonoids – Provide antioxidant and liver-supportive properties.
  • Tannins – Aid wound healing and astringency.
  • Essential Fatty Acids – Support skin, coat, and immune function.

Traditional & Medicinal Uses

Burdock has been used for centuries as a blood purifier, liver tonic, and skin remedy in European, Chinese, and Native American medicine.

General Medicinal Actions

  • Detoxifying & Blood Purifier – Helps eliminate toxins from the body.
  • Liver & Kidney Support – Stimulates bile production and kidney function.
  • Anti-inflammatory – Useful for arthritis, joint pain, and skin conditions.
  • Digestive Support – Prebiotic effects support gut flora and digestion.
  • Skin & Coat Health – Helps eczema, dandruff, and minor infections.

Equine Use of Burdock

Benefits for Horses

Burdock is a valuable herb in equine herbal medicine, especially for skin conditions, liver health, and digestive support.

  1. Supports Skin & Coat Health – Reduces itchiness, flaky skin, and fungal infections.
  2. Detoxifies the Liver & Blood – Helps remove toxins and supports metabolic balance.
  3. Anti-inflammatory for Joints – Useful for arthritic and older horses.
  4. Promotes Healthy Digestion – Helps with ulcers, sluggish digestion, and gut health.
  5. Supports Hoof Growth & Strength – Encourages healthy keratin production.

Precautions

  • Not recommended for pregnant mares (may stimulate uterine contractions).
  • Introduce gradually to avoid digestive upset.
  • Use with caution in diabetic horses (inulin content affects blood sugar).

Canine Use of Burdock

Benefits for Dogs

Burdock is commonly used in canine herbal medicine, particularly for skin issues, detoxification, and joint health.

  1. Helps Itchy, Allergic, or Flaky Skin – Reduces hot spots, dermatitis, and mange.
  2. Supports Liver Detoxification – Useful for dogs with chronic skin conditions or allergies.
  3. Anti-inflammatory for Joints – Helps with arthritis and hip dysplasia.
  4. Aids Digestion & Gut Health – Prebiotic fiber supports a healthy microbiome.
  5. Promotes Kidney & Urinary Health – May help with mild kidney or urinary conditions.

Precautions

  • Not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs.
  • Use with caution in diabetic dogs (can lower blood sugar).
  • Monitor for mild digestive upset when first introducing.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Burdock

Burdock has a long history in British and Manx folklore, often linked to healing, protection, and magic.

UK Folklore

  • Used in Medieval Herbal Medicine – Burdock was a common remedy for blood purification, snake bites, and infections.
  • Protective Charms – In Yorkshire and Scotland, dried burdock was hung in homes to ward off evil spirits.
  • Folk Remedy for Skin & Hair – Burdock-infused oils were used to treat scalp conditions and promote hair growth.
  • Symbolism of Tenacity – Its burrs that cling to clothing led to the belief that burdock gave persistence and strength.

Isle of Man Folklore

  • Healing Plant of the Fairies – In Manx folklore, burdock was considered a fairy’s herb, often growing in places where fairies gathered.
  • Protection for Livestock – Farmers would hang burdock leaves in stables to ward off disease and misfortune.
  • Manx Blood Purifier – Traditional herbalists recommended burdock tea for "bad blood" and fevers.
  • Burrs as a Sign of Good Luck – In some rural Manx traditions, finding burdock burrs on clothing was seen as a blessing from nature.

Conclusion

Burdock is a powerful herbal remedy known for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties. It is widely used in equine and canine herbal medicine, particularly for allergies, liver health, and joint support. In UK and Isle of Man folklore, burdock was valued for protection, tenacity, and healing.

Coat and skin

Detox

Digestion

Mobility

Brewers Yeast Chamomile