By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.,
If you’ve ever searched for gentle, plant-based support for dry, irritated skin, you may have come across burdock root. Known botanically as Arctium lappa, this nutrient-rich plant has been used for generations in traditional herbal and skin wellness practices. Today, burdock root continues to be valued for its naturally occurring plant compounds making it a smart, time-trusted ingredient in topical routines for sensitive, eczema-prone skin.
What is Arctium lappa (burdock root)?
A member of the daisy family that can grow more than four feet tall, burdock is a common weed with burrs that can stick to clothes. Native to Europe and Northern Asia, Arctium lappa (burdock root) is now common in the United States too. In Japan and parts of Europe, Arctium lappa (burdock root) is eaten as a root vegetable. The plant has purple flowers that bloom between June and October, and it's dark roots have strong roots in homeopathic medicine.
Arctium lappa (burdock root) has been used for centuries as a blood purifier, a diuretic to eliminate excess water, and a topical remedy for eczema, acne, psoriasis, burns, and more. Arctium lappa (burdock root) is one of the key active homeopathic ingredients in our organic eczema relief for adults and our organic eczema relief for kids.
How is Arctium lappa (burdock root) used?
Extracts of Arctium lappa (burdock root) can be used as a tea, dried powder, liquid, or tincture, or applied topically as with our natural eczema treatments. Arctium lappa (burdock root) can be prepared in several forms depending on how it’s being used.
Topically, which is especially common in skincare products routines designed for dry, sensitive, or irritation-prone skin. In topical blends, Arctium lappa (burdock root) is applied directly to the skin so its naturally occurring plant compounds can support the skin’s surface helping promote a more calm, comfortable feel. This is why Arctium lappa (burdock root) is included in our natural Eczema Relief treatments for adults and kids, where it’s used as part of a clean, plant-based approach to daily skin support.
How does Arctium lappa (burdock root) work?
Arctium lappa (burdock root) has many healthful properties. For starters, it’s loaded with potent antioxidants, including quercetin, luteolin, and phenolic acid. Antioxidants mop up damaging free radicals that have been linked to aging and disease. There’s more: burdock root also helps cool inflammation and has powerful antibacterial effects.
Arctium lappa (burdock root) also contains inulin, a natural dietary fiber and powerful prebiotic. Prebiotics are precursors to probiotics that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Consuming more fiber can prevent or relieve constipation, help you maintain a healthy weight, and lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.
Thinking of giving Arctium lappa (burdock root) a try?
If you’re one of the millions of people who deal with dry, irritated, eczema-prone skin, you know that gentle, consistent care matters. That’s why we include Arctium lappa (burdock root) in our Organic Eczema Relief for Adults and Organic Eczema Relief for Kids.
Arctium lappa (burdock root) is a time-trusted botanical traditionally used to support problem-prone, reactive skin, and it contains naturally occurring plant compounds including antioxidants and phytonutrients—that make it a thoughtful choice for topical routines focused on comfort and balance.
In our formulas, Arctium lappa (burdock root) isn’t used alone. It’s blended with complementary homeopathic ingredients and a soothing blend of essential oils selected for topical skin support. Together, these ingredients work in synergy, helping support the skin’s natural barrier, calm the look and feel of irritation from dryness, and provide gentle surface comfort where it’s needed most.
This layered approach reflects our philosophy: clean, plant-powered support without harsh additives or unnecessary fillers, just purposeful ingredients designed to help you care for sensitive skin with confidence, day after day.
About Dr. Peter Klapper, Ph.D.
Dr. Peter Klapper, Ph.D., founded Forces of Nature® in 1999 to make natural healing simple, safe, and truly effective. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Kiev University and deep passion for holistic wellness, he led the company to become the first to offer USDA Certified Organic homeopathic medicines. Dr. Klapper believes healing should be healthy for both people and the planet. Every product is crafted with care in California, using only pure, certified organic ingredients. Today, his mission to heal the world naturally continues to inspire everything Forces of Nature does.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.