Although burdock seed has little culinary significance, it does produce
an interesting effect when chewed or taken as a tincture—it promptly
causes a tingling sensation on the tongue. Because this is an indication
of a fast-acting effect on the nervous system, burdock seed is sometimes
used as an “activator” for other botanical components in tonic and
tincture formulas.
Historically speaking, burdock seed has a long association with easing
the discomforts of inflammatory conditions of the skin and joints. While
the 17th century herbalist Nicholas Culpeper contends that "the seed
being drunk in wine 40 days together doth wonderfully help the
sciatica," modern science tells us that the anti-inflammatory activity
of burdock seed is due to a plant lignan called arctigenin. As an extra
precaution against rheumatism, gypsies reputedly wear or carry small
bags containing burdock seeds.
