A plant record

Burdock (Baròk)

Arctium lappa

EnglishBurdock

KreyòlBaròk

FrançaisBardane

BotanicalArctium lappa

Burdock (Baròk) — Arctium lappa, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Oily or infected skin (acne, boils, eczema). Diuretic. Digestive bitter. Traditional: blood purifier, urinary tract support.

Prepared as

Root, leaves

Chemistry

Inulin (prebiotic), polyphenols (chlorogenic acid), sesquiterpene lactones — mild diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant. Some antimicrobial activity.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Po gras oswa enfekte (akne, bouton). Diyrektik. Amer dijestif. Tradisyonèl: purifikatè san. Baròk (bardane) itilize nan diaspora ayisyen pou po gra ak bouton. Rasin oswa fèy nan enfizyon kòm "netwaye san" tradisyonèl pou ekzema ak bòsou.

Français — Peau grasse ou infectée (acné, furoncles, eczéma). Diurétique. Amer digestif. Traditionnel : dépuratif, soutien des voies urinaires. La bardane est utilisée dans la diaspora haïtienne pour la peau grasse et l'acné; racine ou feuilles en infusion comme "purificateur de sang" traditionnel pour l'eczéma et les furoncles.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine