Cocklebur is often used to describe both Agrimony and Burdock.
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a member of the Rosaceae family. The whole of the flowering plant, cut a few fingers above ground, can be used for medicinal purposes. The plant mid- to northern Europe, temperate Asia, and North America.
Agrimony contains tannins which demonstrate strong astringent properties. Thus, agrimony is often used for gastrointestinal complaints, diarrhea, upset stomach, and more. It also has shown diuretic and anti-inflammation properties. Agrimony has no known interactions with other drugs. In some people, agrimony can affect blood pressure.
Burdock (Articum lappa) is a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae family. The root, leaf, and flower of Burdock can be used for medicinal purposes. The plant can be found in Europe, North America, and northern Asia.
Burdock contains a volatile oil, lignans, sesquiterpene lactones, polyynes, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, triterpenes, phytosterols, and tannins. Burdock has demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
For people with allerigies to other members of the Asteraceae/Compsitae family, burdock may cause an allergic reaction. Other members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and more.