Cocklebur
- Xanthium strumarium L.
- Compositae
- Composite family
Common Names
 Cocklebur
Hsi-erh
(Chinese name)
Parts Usually Used
Leaves, root
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Cocklebur is a variable weedy annual plant that grows to 5 feet in
height. The leaves are oval to heart-shaped, somewhat lobed or toothed,
on long stalks. The green flowers are inconspicuous. The fruits are
oval, with crowded hooked prickles, often called burrs. Blooms September
to November.
Where Found
Found in waste places.
Medicinal Properties
Antispasmodic, analgesic, alterative, antibacterial, antifungal,
diuretic, febrifuge, sedative
Biochemical Information
Xanthostrumarin, resin, fatty oil, alkaloids, organic acid, vitamin
C, ceryl alcohol
Legends, Myths and Stories
This weed is very obnoxious to contact; the seed pods tend to adhere
to animal fur and human clothing. Often transplanted throughout an
area by clinging to the fur of animals and dropping at distances to
become wider spread and more obnoxious. It is a very valuable therapeutic
medicinal used by the Chinese for rheumatic pains and aches as well
as sinus blockage. Also used as a yellow dye.
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria L.) is
sometimes called cocklebur, but this herb belongs to the rose family
and is no relation to the true cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.)
Uses
Cocklebur was once used for rabies, fevers,
malaria, sinusitis,
allergic rhinitis with headaches,
chronic lumbago, leprosy, and pruritis (severe itching) of the skin.
Native Americans used the leaf tea for kidney
diseases, rheumatism,
arthritis, tuberculosis
(TB), colds, as a blood
tonic, and diarrhea. The
Chinese had similar uses.
Nutrient Content
Vitamin C
Warning
Most cocklebur species are toxic to livestock and are usually avoided
by them. Seeds contain toxins, but the seed oil has served as lamp
fuel.
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