Niú Bàng Zǐ (牛蒡子) — Burdock Fruit
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Niú Bàng Zǐ (牛蒡子) is the dried ripe fruit of Arctium lappa, the great burdock. It belongs to the category of Cool-acrid herbs that release the Exterior and is one of the principal herbs in Chinese herbal medicine for wind-heat sore throat, measles eruption and Heat-toxin skin disorders.
I prescribe Niú Bàng Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Niú Bàng Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 牛蒡子 |
| Latin name | Arctium lappa (fruit) |
| English name | Great burdock fruit |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung, Stomach |
| Category | Cool-acrid herbs that release the Exterior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Disperses wind-heat from the Exterior
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Vents rashes
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks bowels (mild laxative effect)
Indications
- Wind-heat colds with sore swollen throat, fever, headache and cough
- Early-stage measles where the rash is incompletely vented
- Hot, painful skin sores and mumps
- Constipation with concurrent wind-heat features
4. Modern research
Burdock fruit contains lignans (arctiin, arctigenin), fatty oils and triterpenes. Arctigenin has been investigated for antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity, including against influenza and other respiratory viruses. The herb’s antimicrobial and decongestant effects support its traditional sore-throat use.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Spleen-deficient cold loose stools, where the cold nature and mild laxative effect would aggravate the picture. Generally well tolerated at standard doses.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Niú Bàng Zǐ as part of tailored herbal formulas for sore-throat colds, hot painful skin lesions, and selected wind-heat presentations. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
