Description
overall appearance
Perennial herb growing 1-2 feet tall with distinctive three-leaflet leaves and purple-pink globular flower heads; forms dense patches through underground stolons.
roots
Deep taproot system with nitrogen-fixing nodules formed by symbiotic bacteria; roots can penetrate 8-10 feet deep, improving soil structure.
stem
Branching stems that are somewhat hairy and hollow; stems rise from a central crown and can be prostrate to erect depending on growing conditions.
leaves
Alternate, palmately compound leaves with three oval leaflets; leaflets are 1/2 to 1 inch long with pale V-shaped markings and finely serrated margins.
flowers
Dense, globe-shaped flower heads 3/4 to 1 inch across composed of numerous small purple-pink pea-like flowers; flowers bloom from May through September.
fruits/seeds
Small, oval pods (legumes) containing 1-2 small, yellow to purple seeds; seeds are produced from mid-summer through fall.
Active Compounds
Traditional Uses
- Menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalances
- Skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, wounds)
- Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis)
- Blood purification and detoxification
- Lymphatic congestion and swollen glands
- Digestive complaints and loss of appetite
- Cancer prevention (folk medicine)
Modern Applications
- Menopausal symptom relief (hot flashes, night sweats)
- Cardiovascular health and cholesterol management
- Bone health and osteoporosis prevention
- Skin health and anti-aging effects
- Cancer prevention research (breast, prostate)
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
⚠️ Safety Information
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive conditions (breast cancer, endometrial cancer)
- Blood clotting disorders (contains coumarins)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (estrogenic effects)
- Protein S deficiency (genetic condition)
Side Effects
- Nausea or headache (uncommon)
- Skin rash in sensitive individuals
- Potential breast tenderness
- Possible blood thinning effects
Drug Interactions
- Hormone replacement therapy (may have additive effects)
- Blood-thinning medications (may enhance effects)
- Liver medications (may affect metabolism)
- Tamoxifen and other estrogen modulators
Parts Used
- Flower heads (primary medicinal part)
- Leaves (less potent than flowers)
- Occasionally aerial parts during flowering
Preparation Methods
1-2 teaspoons dried flowers per cup boiling water, steep 10-15 minutes
1:5 ratio in 45% alcohol, 2-4 ml twice daily
40-80mg standardized extract daily
Fresh flowers and leaves crushed and applied to skin conditions
Flowers infused in olive oil for topical use
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Burdock
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