Ayurvedic Herbs: Burdock

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Burdock

  • Latin Name: Arctium lappa

  • Plant Family: Compositae

  • English Name: Burdock

  • Part Used: roots and seeds

  • Taste (Rasa): bitter, pungent & astringent (root is also sweet)

  • Energetics (Virya): cooling

  • Post-Digestive Effect (Vipaka): pungent

  • Dosha: PK- V+ (in excess)

  • Tissues (Dhatu): plasma (rasa), blood (rakta), fat/adipose (meda), nerve/bone marrow (majja)

  • Systems (Srotamsi): digestive (anna vaha srotas), respiratory (prana vaha srotas), circulatory (rakta vaha srotas)

  • Actions: alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic, antipyretic

  • Precautions: anemia, chronic chills, high Vata

  • Preparations: infusion, decoction (root), powder, paste

References

Frawley D, Lad V. The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press; 2001.