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.

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.

Coat and skin

Detox

Digestion

Mobility

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