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Burdock root (Arctium lappa)

Traditional European and Japanese depurative root, used in folk herbalism for skin and lymphatic support; no modern evidence anchor.

Why

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is a classic 'depurative' (blood-cleansing) herb in European folk traditions, also used as a food in Japan (gobō). Modern clinical evidence is essentially absent. No Cochrane review, no EMA monograph, no significant RCT. Inclusion is for honest reference, given consumer recognition.

How it works

Inulin content supports gut microbiota; sesquiterpene lactones provide bitter effect. The mechanism for the traditional 'depurative' indication is not clinically characterised.

Expected onset · Not characterised in clinical literature

How to take

Dosage

Dried root: 2–6 g as decoction daily. Tincture: 2–8 ml three times daily.

Timing

Two or three times daily

On the label

Arctium lappa root. Fresh root is gobō in Japanese cuisine. Dried root for tinctures and decoctions.

Ideal for

Adults exploring European or Japanese traditional herbal options for general skin or digestive support, with awareness that modern evidence does not yet support specific therapeutic claims.

Safety

Allergic reactions in Asteraceae-sensitive individuals. Theoretical interaction with diabetes medications (mild hypoglycaemic effect). Pregnancy and breastfeeding data limited. Generally well tolerated.

Evidence

At a glance

No regulator anchor available. Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

Limitations

Traditional-use registration only, no Cochrane review, no Well-Established Use monograph, no EFSA-authorised claim, and no major-journal RCT supports a specific therapeutic effect. Inclusion here reflects the documented tradition; modern clinical evidence is limited.

Where to get it

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