Burdock Leaf (Arctium lappa)

Dried leaves of Arctium lappa, Greater Burdock. While the root is the most commonly used part of burdock in Western herbalism, the leaves have their own traditional uses, including topical applications and bitter tea preparations.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Arctium lappa

Family

Asteraceae (sunflower family)

Common names

Greater Burdock, Edible Burdock, Beggar's Buttons

Native region

Europe and Northern Asia; naturalized worldwide

Traditional Western use

Alterative (bloodroot), bitter digestive, skin support

Format

Dried cut-and-sifted leaf

What is Burdock Leaf?

Burdock is a biennial plant native to Europe and Asia, now naturalized worldwide. The plant produces purple flowers that mature into the bristly burrs that gave inventor George de Mestral the inspiration for Velcro. While the root (gobo) is the most well-known medicinal and culinary part, the leaves have their own traditional uses, particularly as a bitter tea ingredient and in topical preparations.

How to Use Burdock Leaf

For tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaf per 8 oz cup in hot water for 10 minutes. Burdock leaf has a notably bitter character. For topical use, the leaves can be infused in oil for skin preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Burdock Leaf and Burdock Root?
The root is the most commonly used Western medicinal part; the leaf is used in tea and topical preparations.

What is Burdock used for?
In Western herbalism as an "alterative" (a traditional category of herbs supporting cleansing functions), bitter digestive support, and skin care.

Is burdock related to Velcro?
The burrs of the burdock plant inspired the invention of Velcro by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1948.

Can burdock leaf be eaten?
Young burdock leaves are edible but bitter; older leaves are typically not eaten. The root (gobo) is the more common culinary part, used in Japanese cuisine.

What does burdock taste like?
Notably bitter, characteristic of the Asteraceae family.

How is burdock leaf prepared topically?
Infused in carrier oil for several weeks, then strained for skin preparations.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.