Botanical Overview
Xanthium strumarium, commonly known as Common cocklebur or Rough cocklebur, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is widespread across North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. The plant parts used medicinally include the fruit (seed-containing bur), leaves, and roots.
Energetics
This herb is considered warming and drying with bitter and pungent tastes. It has an ascending and outward directionality and is generally relaxing in its tonic effect, primarily influencing the qi.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
- Diuretic
- Analgesic
- Cholagogue
Indications
Western
- Rhinitis
- Nasal congestion
- Skin infections
- Rheumatic pain
- Jaundice
Syndromes
- Inflammation
- Infections
- Obstructed bile flow
TCM
- Wind-heat invasion
- Dampness-related skin disorders
- Nasal obstruction
Syndromes
- Wind-heat
- Damp-heat
- Toxic heat
Ayurveda
- Fever
- Skin diseases
- Jaundice
- Digestive disturbances
Syndromes
- Vata imbalance
- Pitta imbalance
- Kapha imbalance
Unani
- Fever
- Skin eruptions
- Urinary disorders
- Arthritis
Syndromes
- Humoral imbalances related to bile and phlegm
Constituents & Mechanisms
Main phytochemical families include sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The plant exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects attributed to these compounds.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction 1-3 g dried fruit 1-3 times daily
- Infusion of leaves for topical use
- Powdered fruit for external application
Safety & Contraindications
Xanthium strumarium contains toxic constituents, notably carboxyatractyloside, which can cause poisoning especially in children and livestock. Use with extreme caution, avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Overdose may cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
Astrological Correspondences
None confidently identified in reputable traditional sources.
Selected References
- PFAF (Plants For A Future): Xanthium strumarium
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 2 (1999)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Ed. by Bensky et al. (2004)
- Indian Medicinal Plants: An Illustrated Dictionary by Warrier et al. (1996)
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Zhang et al. (2015)