Burdock Seed
Also known as: Greater Burdock Seed, Cocklebur, Rat's Catchweed Seed, Great Bur, Black Wind Seed, Cone Seed.
Properties: Pungent, Bitter, Cold.
Channel Tropism: Enters the Lung and Stomach meridians.
Medicinal Part: The mature fruits of the Burdock plant (*Arctium lappa*), a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae).
How to Use Burdock Seed
How to Use: Administered as a decoction, 6-12g.
Preparation: After harvesting, spread out the fruit clusters to dry thoroughly in the sun. Once fully dried, use a wooden board to beat out the seeds. Remove any impurities and then dry the seeds completely.
Functions and Indications of Burdock Seed
Functions: Disperses Wind-Heat, disseminates Lung Qi and benefits the throat, clears toxins and promotes rash eruption, reduces swelling and heals sores.
Indications: Wind-Heat common cold, early stages of warm-heat diseases, incomplete eruption of measles or other rashes, carbuncles, swellings, and toxic sores.
Contraindications for Burdock Seed
Burdock Seed is cold in nature and has a laxative effect. It should be used with caution in individuals with Qi deficiency and loose stools.
Related Discussions on Burdock Seed
1. From *Ben Cao Jing Shu* (Classic of Materia Medica Commentary): "Burdock Seed is a crucial herb for dispersing wind, clearing heat, and detoxifying. Its pungent flavor can disperse stagnation, and its bitter flavor can drain heat. When heat stagnation is dispersed, the internal organs function optimally, thus brightening the eyes and strengthening the Middle Jiao. When wind invades, the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) will be obstructed, leading to fever. A pungent and cool approach helps harmonize the exterior Qi, preventing wind from lingering. Zhang Qi (a historical physician) mainly used it for toxic wind swellings and various flaccidity syndromes; Yuan Su (another physician) highlighted its ability to moisten the Lungs, disperse stagnant Qi, benefit the throat and diaphragm, eliminate wind from the skin, and unblock the twelve meridiansβall stemming from this understanding. Hence, it proves exceptionally effective in treating hives, measles, and pox-like eruptions."
2. From *Yao Xing Lun* (Treatise on the Nature of Medicinals): "Eliminates all types of wind, removes erysipelas, brightens the eyes, benefits the waist and legs, and disperses various nodules, as well as heat toxins affecting muscles and bones."
3. From *Ben Cao Shi Yi* (Supplements to the Materia Medica): "Primarily treats toxic wind swellings and various flaccidity syndromes."
4. From *Ben Cao Qiu Zhen* (Seeking the True Meaning of Materia Medica): "Nowadays, people only speak of Burdock Seed's detoxifying properties, commonly using it for carbuncles, swellings, pox, and other conditions, yet they haven't fully grasped its meaning. The formation of toxic accumulations in humans often stems from external invasion of Wind-Cold, where the Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) doesn't follow its normal course, becoming stagnant within the flesh, thus leading to carbuncles. Burdock's pungent and bitter taste can both descend Qi downwards and disperse wind while clearing heat. Therefore, for symptoms like facial and eye swelling, cough with phlegm congestion, sore and swollen throat, sores and rashes, and all foul toxins, 'sand-closure' (a type of acute febrile disease), purplish-black pox lesions, and constipation arising from Wind-Heat toxin invasion, there is no case where this herb doesn't help clear the exterior and interior. However, its cold and slippery nature means excessive use can harm the Middle Qi and further weaken the exterior. It is especially contraindicated in cases of Spleen deficiency with diarrhea."
5. From *Ben Cao Cheng Ya Ban Jie* (Half-Verse of Materia Medica Completion): "This substance embodies the vigorous dispersing action of wind, thus excelling in drawing out dampness and resolving earth-related issues. Its pungent flavor and neutral nature are utilized to counteract the influence of Wind-Wood. Therefore, for all diseases arising from wind, or those forming swellings due to wind-cold constraint, its application yields rapid effects. Its efficacy is particularly pronounced for issues affecting the superficial layers and upper body. As a substance that curbs and controls, it supports Liver Wood without causing excess, thereby achieving the benefit of harmony and balance."
Quick Self-Check & Self-Help
3-Second Self-Test: Do you feel feverish, have a sore throat, or notice the beginnings of a rash that isn't fully erupting?
30-Second Self-Help: If you suspect an early stage of wind-heat cold or a blocked rash, you could immediately consider consuming light, cooling foods and ensure proper hydration to support your body's natural clearing processes. Always consult a practitioner for specific herbal guidance.
References
Burdock seed demonstrates diverse therapeutic potential including anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects, supporting its traditional uses. PMID: 32264639
Studies suggest *Arctium lappa* (Burdock) has biological activities beneficial for various health conditions, aligning with its role in Traditional Chinese Medicine. PMID: 29809988
The active compounds in Burdock have been explored for their cosmetic and dermatological applications, supporting its use in skin conditions. PMID: 24707328
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
