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

Generally speaking, the main functions and effects of Arctii Fructus (niubangzi) include dispersing wind-heat, promoting lung function and relieving sore throat, clearing heat and detoxifying, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and reducing swelling and dissipating nodules. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dispersing Wind-Heat

Arctii Fructus is cool in nature, with a pungent and bitter taste, and can dispel pathogenic wind-heat from the exterior. For symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, and cough caused by wind-heat感冒 (wind-heat感冒 refers to a cold caused by wind-heat pathogens), appropriate use can help dispel surface wind-heat, alleviate discomfort from the cold, and assist the body in returning to normal.

2. Promoting Lung Function and Relieving Sore Throat

Arctii Fructus enters the lung meridian and has the effect of promoting lung function and clearing the throat. It can relieve symptoms such as sore throat, hoarseness, and excessive phlegm cough caused by excessive lung heat or invasion of wind-heat into the lungs by promoting lung function and clearing heat from the throat, thereby alleviating throat discomfort and improving voice and respiratory conditions.

3. Clearing Heat, Detoxifying, and Promoting Eruption of Skin Rashes

Arctii Fructus can clear heat, detoxify, and promote the eruption of rashes. For conditions such as initial stages of measles with poor eruption, or urticaria with itching, appropriate use can help clear internal heat toxins, promote the smooth eruption of rashes, and reduce discomfort caused by itching and heat toxin accumulation.

4. Moistening the Intestines and Relieving Constipation

Arctii Fructus contains abundant oils that can lubricate the intestines, and its cool nature can clear internal heat. For symptoms such as dry stools and difficult defecation caused by lung heat descending to the large intestine or internal accumulation of dry heat, it can lubricate the intestines, soften stools, promote intestinal peristalsis, and improve constipation.

5. Reducing Swelling and Dissipating Nodules

Arctii Fructus has effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and dissipating nodules. For symptoms such as abscesses, mumps, and scrofula caused by accumulated heat toxins, appropriate use can help clear local heat toxins, reduce swelling, alleviate redness and pain, and assist in relieving inflammatory reactions.

Arctii Fructus is usually taken internally by decoction and dosage should follow medical advice. Due to its cool nature, individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach or those prone to diarrhea should use it cautiously to avoid aggravating gastrointestinal discomfort. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should consult a healthcare professional before use to ensure medication safety. If discomfort such as abdominal pain or diarrhea occurs during use, discontinue use promptly and seek medical advice for adjustment.