Burr Marigold Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Burr Marigold is a flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). The name is most often linked to Bidens tripartita, also called water agrimony or three-lobe beggarticks. A closely related plant, Bidens pilosa (often called beggarticks or sticktight), is used in similar ways in many parts of the world.

These plants grow in damp places like the edges of ponds, ditches, and marshes across Europe, Asia, and other temperate and tropical regions. They are well known for their small, barbed seeds that stick to clothing and animal fur, which is how the plant spreads.

In traditional herbal medicine, the above-ground parts of the plant have been used to make teas and extracts. People have used it for skin problems, urinary complaints, digestive issues, and minor coughs and colds.

Burr Marigold has a long history in folk medicine, but modern scientific evidence in humans is very limited. Most of what we know comes from laboratory studies, test-tube experiments, or animal research, which cannot tell us how well the plant works in people.

Common traditional uses include:

• Wounds and skin irritation — applied to help with minor cuts or inflammation. Evidence is mostly traditional and laboratory-based.
• Urinary and 'cleansing' uses — taken as a mild diuretic. This is not well proven.
• Digestive upset — used as a bitter tonic for the stomach. Supported only by tradition.
• Coughs and colds — used in folk remedies. Human evidence is lacking.

Laboratory studies suggest the plant may have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, but these findings have not been confirmed by well-designed human trials. Overall, the evidence is insufficient to say that Burr Marigold is effective for any health condition.

Burr Marigold contains a mix of natural plant compounds, including flavonoids, polyacetylenes, tannins, and essential oils. Some of these compounds have shown antioxidant and germ-fighting activity in laboratory tests.

Researchers think the tannins may explain its traditional use for wounds and skin, since tannins can have a drying, astringent effect. Flavonoids may contribute to possible anti-inflammatory or antioxidant effects.

It is important to understand that these proposed mechanisms come mostly from test-tube and animal studies. They do not prove that the plant works the same way, or at all, when used by people.

There is not enough reliable human research to know how safe Burr Marigold is, especially with regular or long-term use. Because of this, it should be used cautiously.

People who are allergic to plants in the daisy (Asteraceae) family — such as ragweed, marigolds, daisies, and chrysanthemums — may be more likely to have an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is no good safety data, so it is best to avoid Burr Marigold if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

It is also best to avoid giving it to infants and young children. People with kidney problems should be especially careful, since the plant is sometimes used as a diuretic. Always talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting any new herbal product.

Because Burr Marigold has not been carefully studied in people, its full side effect profile is unknown. Possible side effects, based on its plant family and general herbal use, may include:

• Allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to daisy-family plants, ranging from skin rash to more serious reactions.
• Stomach upset or digestive discomfort.
• Skin irritation when applied directly to the skin.

Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or trouble breathing.

There is no established standard dose for Burr Marigold. Traditional use has involved teas made from the dried herb, as well as tinctures and liquid extracts, but reliable dosing guidelines from clinical research do not exist.

If you choose to use a commercial product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because product strength and quality can vary a lot between brands, it is wise to check with a pharmacist or doctor first, especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.