Great Burdock Root
Aliases：Eshigen、Shuzhangen、Niucai
Niubanggen (Arctii Radix) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried root of Arctium lappa L. (family Asteraceae). It is mainly produced in Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, and other provinces.
Efficacy & Actions
Niubanggen (Burdock root) has the actions of dispersing Wind-Heat and relieving toxic swelling.
Indications
Niubanggen is mainly indicated for wind-heat common cold, headache, cough, swollen face due to heat toxin, sore throat, swollen and painful gums, rheumatic arthralgia (bi pain), abdominal masses (aggregation and accumulation), carbuncles, furuncles and malignant sores, as well as hemorrhoids and rectal prolapse.
Modern Pharmacology
Hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering: Inhibits α-glucosidase, improves insulin resistance, regulates lipid metabolism. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Scavenges free radicals, inhibits NF-κB pathway, reduces inflammatory factors. Hepatoprotective: Reduces hepatotoxicity, inhibits lipid accumulation. Uric acid lowering: Promotes uric acid excretion and inhibits its production (clinical trials are ongoing). Antitumor: Inhibits cancer cell proliferation with selective toxicity towards normal cells. Vascular protection: Induces vasodilation, improves endothelial injury, lowers blood pressure. Others: Antibacterial, immunomodulatory, anti‑fatigue, cognitive improvement, and beneficial for male erectile dysfunction, among others.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Inulin, Arctium lappa polysaccharide (ALP) Polyphenols: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, etc. Lignans: Arctiin, arctigenin Others: Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), polyacetylenes, volatile oils, dietary fiber
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 6–15 g in decoction; or taken as fresh juice; or ground into powder; or steeped in wine. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed for topical application; or made into an ointment for spreading; or decocted for washing.
Contraindications
Supplement to the Materia Medica (Bencao Shiyi): “The root of great burdock (Eshi root / burdock root) should be steamed and then dried in the sun. Otherwise, it may cause nausea and vomiting.”
Selected Formulas
1. For lingering heat after epidemic febrile disease with irritability, thirst, weakness of limbs, and inability to eat (from Sheng Hui Fang) Crush and squeeze the juice from Arctium root. Take one small cup each time. 2. For heat attacking the heart with irritability and confusion (from Shiyi Xinjing) Extract one liter (approx. 600 mL) of juice from Arctium root. Take in three divided doses after meals. 3. For sudden swelling of the head and face due to internal attack of wind‑heat toxin, or red swelling of hands, feet, and face that is painful to touch (from Doumen Fang) Wash and grind Arctium root until mushy. Simmer with wine to form a paste, spread on paper, and apply to the swollen area. At the same time, take a small amount of the paste mixed with warm wine orally; swelling and pain will be relieved. 4. For hot swelling in the throat (from Yannian Milu) Take one liter (approx. 600 mL) of chopped Arctium root. Add five liters (approx. 3 L) of water, boil down to three liters (approx. 1.8 L). Divide into 3–4 warm doses. Avoid garlic and wheat products. 5. For swelling and pain of the throat in children (from Pu Ji Fang) Crush Arctium root to extract the juice. Swallow slowly.
Daily Consumption
ea: 5-15g dried root, steep in boiling water or decoct for 20 min. Cold salad: Shred fresh root, blanch, then mix with seasonings. Stir-fry: Peel and shred fresh root, soak to prevent oxidation, then quickly stir-fry with meat or vegetables. Soup: Stew 200g fresh root (or 10-15g dried) with pork ribs or chicken for 1-2 hours. Contraindications: Avoid if spleen-stomach deficiency cold, prone to diarrhea; use with caution during pregnancy.
Medicinal Parts
dried root
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.