What are the benefits and effects of Arctium lappa (burdock seed)?

Oct 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Ziyi

Introduction

Arctii Fructus (Bullbur) is a traditional Chinese medicine with a pungent and bitter taste, and cold nature. It is associated with the lung and stomach meridians. Also known as Dali Zi, Shu Nian Zi, or Eshi, it is the dried mature fruit of Arctium lappa, a plant from the Asteraceae family. Its functions and effects include clearing heat and detoxifying, clearing liver heat to improve vision, promoting diuresis and removing dampness, improving skin conditions, protecting and nourishing hair, and tonifying the kidneys to secure essence. It should be emphasized that the use of Arctii Fructus must follow medical advice and proper dosage.

　　Arctii Fructus is a traditional Chinese medicine with a pungent and bitter taste, cold in nature, affecting the lung and stomach meridians. It is also known as "Dali Zi," "Shu Nianzi," or "Oshi." It is the dried mature fruit of Arctium lappa (a species of thistle), and has various therapeutic effects including clearing heat and detoxifying, clearing liver to improve vision, promoting diuresis and removing dampness, improving skin conditions, nourishing hair, and tonifying the kidneys to secure essence. Specific benefits are detailed below:

　　1. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Arctii Fructus possesses properties that clear heat and detoxify the body, helping to reduce fever and inflammation caused by infections. It can be used to treat heat-toxin conditions such as boils, carbuncles, and eczema.

　　2. Clearing Liver and Improving Vision: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Arctii Fructus is believed to clear liver fire and improve eyesight. It may be used to treat eye disorders associated with excessive liver fire, such as red eyes, conjunctival congestion, and eye pain.

　　3. Promoting Diuresis and Removing Dampness: Arctii Fructus promotes urination, helping eliminate excess fluid from the body and alleviating symptoms of edema and damp-heat. It is commonly used in the treatment of certain kidney diseases and urinary tract infections.

　　4. Improving Skin Conditions: Arctii Fructus is believed to have cooling blood and detoxifying effects, which can help manage inflammatory skin conditions. It may be used to improve skin problems such as acne and eczema.

　　5. Hair Protection and Nourishment: Arctii Fructus has traditionally been used for hair care. It can help improve scalp health, reduce dandruff, and promote hair growth.

　　6. Tonifying Kidneys and Securing Essence: In TCM, Arctii Fructus is considered beneficial for treating kidney yang deficiency and sexual dysfunction. It is also used to strengthen the kidneys and secure essence, thereby supporting male reproductive health.

　　It should be emphasized that the use of Arctii Fructus should follow medical advice and proper dosage to ensure safety and effectiveness. It is typically used as part of a herbal formula rather than alone. For specific health concerns, it is best to consult a qualified TCM practitioner.

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

The medicinal properties of Arctii Fructus (niubangzi) include promoting diuresis and relieving dysuria, clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and alleviating pain, exhibiting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. It should be used according to medical advice. Arctii Fructus has diuretic effects that help promote urine excretion and eliminate excess fluid and waste from the body, making it useful in treating symptoms such as edema, turbid urine, and difficult urination. Due to its pharmacological effects, caution should be exercised when using Arctii Fructus, and it should only be taken under medical supervision.

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What are the functions and benefits of Arctii Fructus (burdock seed)?

Under normal circumstances, the main functions and effects of Arctii Fructus (niubangzi) include dispersing wind-heat, promoting lung function and relieving sore throat, detoxifying and promoting eruption of rashes, moistening the intestines and relieving constipation, as well as reducing swelling and dissipating nodules. Arctii Fructus is commonly administered by decoction according to the prescribed dosage under medical supervision. Due to its cold nature, it should be used cautiously in individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach or those prone to diarrhea, to avoid aggravating gastrointestinal discomfort. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should consult a healthcare professional before using Arctii Fructus.