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Arctium lappa (Burdock, Goboin)

Burdock, the well-known source of burrs matted in dogs' fur, is also a medicinal herb of considerable reputation. Called goboin Japan, burdock root is said to be a food that provides deep strengthening to the immune system.

Burdock was a main ingredient in the infamous Hoxsey cancer treatment. Harry Hoxsey was a coal miner who parlayed a traditional family remedy for cancer into the largest privately owned cancer treatment center in the world, with branches in 17 states. (It was shut down in the 1950s by the FDA. Harry Hoxsey himself subsequently died of cancer.) Other herbs in his formula included red clover, poke, prickly ash, bloodroot, and barberry. Burdock is also found in the herbal cancer remedy Essiac.

Despite this history, there is no significant evidence that burdock is an effective treatment for cancer or any other illness.

Burdock is widely recommended for the relief of dry, scaly skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also used for treating acne. It can be taken internally as well as applied directly to the skin. Burdock is sometimes recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, there is as yet no real scientific evidence for any of these uses.

A typical dosage of burdock is 1 to 2 g of powdered dry root 3 times per day.

Safety Issues

As a food commonly eaten in Japan (it is often found in sukiyaki), burdock root is believed to be safe. However, in 1978, the Journal of the American Medical Association caused a brief scare by publishing a report of burdock poisoning. Subsequent investigation showed that the herbal product involved was actually contaminated with the poisonous chemical atropine from an unknown source. 1 Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not established.

If you are taking insulin or oral medications to reduce blood sugar, it is possible that burdock will increase its effect.

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