What are the medicinal properties of Arctium lappa (burdock seed)?

Burdock seed has medicinal effects including promoting diuresis and relieving dysuria, clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as moistening the intestines and relieving constipation. It should be used according to medical advice. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Promoting Diuresis and Relieving Dysuria: Burdock seed has a diuretic effect that helps promote urine excretion and remove excess fluid and waste from the body. It is used to treat symptoms such as edema, turbid urine, and difficult urination.

2. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Burdock seed has the function of clearing heat and detoxifying, and can be used to treat fever, oral ulcers, sore throat, and other conditions caused by heat toxicity.

3. Reducing Swelling and Relieving Pain: Burdock seed can be used to treat arthritis and inflammatory diseases. It helps reduce swelling and relieve pain, thereby alleviating joint pain and inflammation.

4. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Burdock seed is sometimes used in treating skin conditions such as sores, boils, and abscesses. With its properties of clearing heat, detoxifying, and fighting bacteria, it helps reduce skin inflammation and infection.

5. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation: Burdock seed is one of the traditional Chinese herbs used to treat constipation. It helps moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements, thus improving constipation by enhancing intestinal motility.

Due to its pharmacological effects, burdock seed should be used with caution and only under medical supervision to avoid excessive use.