Burdock (Arctium spp.)

Burdock (Arctium spp.)

Botanical Description

  • Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
  • Common Names: Burdock, Great Burdock, Beggar’s Buttons, Lappa, Cocklebur
  • Parts Used: Root, Leaves, Seeds
  • Habitat: Native to Europe, including the UK and Isle of Man, commonly found in hedgerows, meadows, roadsides, and wastelands.

Burdock is renowned for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties. It has been widely used in human, equine, and canine herbal medicine, as well as in British and Manx folklore.

Constituents & Their Actions

1. Burdock Root (Arctium lappa radix)

  • Constituents:

    • Inulin (prebiotic fiber) – Supports gut health and digestion
    • Polyphenols & Flavonoids – Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
    • Tannins – Astringent and antimicrobial actions
    • Sesquiterpene lactones – Bitter compounds that stimulate digestion
    • Lignans & Phytosterols – Hormonal balance and liver support

  • Primary Actions:

    • Liver & Blood Detoxifier – Enhances toxin elimination
    • Digestive Support – Promotes gut health and bile flow
    • Skin Healing – Beneficial for eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis
    • Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant – Supports joint health

  • Uses:

    • Equine & Canine: Supports liver function, digestion, and skin conditions.
2. Burdock Leaves (Arctium lappa folia)

  • Constituents:

    • Mucilage & Tannins – Soothing and astringent properties
    • Flavonoids – Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions
    • Volatile oils – Mild antimicrobial effects

  • Primary Actions:

    • Wound Healing & Anti-inflammatory – Used externally for skin irritations
    • Diuretic & Lymphatic Support – Aids toxin removal

  • Uses:

    • Equine & Canine: Applied topically for wounds, bites, and inflamed skin.
3. Burdock Seeds (Arctium lappa semen)

  • Constituents:

    • Essential Fatty Acids – Supports skin health and reduces inflammation
    • Lignans & Alkaloids – Beneficial for liver and hormonal balance
    • Sterols & Saponins – Aids immune function and detoxification

  • Primary Actions:

    • Diuretic & Kidney Cleanser – Helps with fluid retention and urinary issues
    • Anti-inflammatory – Useful for joint pain and chronic conditions

  • Uses:

    • Equine & Canine: Supports urinary health, joint function, and metabolic balance.

Equine Use of Burdock

Benefits for Horses

Burdock is a valuable herb for horses, particularly for:

  1. Liver & Detoxification Support – Helps remove toxins and metabolic waste.
  2. Skin Health – Useful for mud fever, rain scald, and other skin conditions.
  3. Digestive Aid – Promotes gut flora balance and digestion.
  4. Joint & Inflammation Support – Beneficial for arthritis and laminitis management.
  5. Hoof & Coat Health – Provides minerals that support strong hooves and a healthy coat.
Administration for Horses
  • Tea Infusion: 1–2 cups of strong tea added to drinking water or feed.
  • Poultice (Leaves): Applied to wounds, abscesses, and skin irritations.
Precautions
  • Introduce gradually to avoid digestive upset.
  • Ensure access to water, especially when using diuretic herbs.
  • Avoid in pregnant mares (due to detoxifying properties).

Canine Use of Burdock

Benefits for Dogs

Burdock is safe and beneficial for dogs, particularly for:

  1. Skin & Coat Health – Helps with eczema, hot spots, and dry skin.
  2. Liver & Blood Detoxification – Supports liver function and metabolic balance.
  3. Digestive Aid – Encourages healthy gut bacteria and digestion.
  4. Joint & Inflammation Support – Beneficial for arthritis and mobility issues.
  5. Urinary Tract Support – Mild diuretic effect helps flush toxins.
Administration for Dogs
  • Burdock Tea: 1–2 teaspoons added to food or water.
  • Poultice (Leaves): Applied to wounds, rashes, or inflamed skin.
Precautions
  • Diuretic effect – Ensure plenty of fresh water.
  • Introduce slowly to avoid stomach upset.
  • Avoid in pregnant or nursing dogs.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Burdock

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

UK Folklore
  • Protective Herb – Burdock was hung in homes and barns to ward off evil spirits and illness.
  • Healing Amulet – Root pieces were carried as charms for good health and longevity.
  • Love & Prosperity Magic – Seeds were used in fertility and money spells.
Isle of Man Folklore
  • Fairy Associations – Burdock was believed to ward off mischievous fairies.
  • Herbal Healing – Used by wise women for wound healing and fever reduction.
  • Farm & Livestock Protection – Burdock leaves were sometimes placed in animal stalls to protect livestock from illness.

Conclusion

Burdock is a powerful herbal ally with detoxifying, skin-healing, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is highly beneficial for horses and dogs, supporting liver health, digestion, joint function, and skin conditions. Additionally, its rich folklore in the UK and Isle of Man highlights its historical value as a protective and healing herb.

Coat and skin

Detox

Digestion

Mobility

Brewer’s Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla & Chamaemelum nobile)