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Three parts of the Burdock plant is used to create herbal remedies: the root, its seeds, and its leaves. The root of the Burdock plant is often used by the Japanese to treat a variety of ailments. They think of the Burdock root as a vegetable that they call godo. Western herbalists too also consider the root of the Burdock plant to be the most important. In the West, herbalists use the Burdock plant root as a cleansing and eliminative remedy. It is often used in cases where a buildup of toxins is suspected. Symptoms of toxin buildup include skin problems, digestive ailments, arthritic pains, or overall sluggishness. Parts of the Burdock root are often used externally to treat infections and skin sores. The Burdock root is most commonly harvested in the fall.

Another commonly used part of the Burdock plant is the seeds. The seeds of the Burdock plant are used in several healing remedies of many healing traditions. For instance, the American Eclectic school of healing has traditionally integrated the Burdock seeds as a diuretic or to create healing skin tonics. In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds are often used to treat common colds that are characterized by an unproductive cough and sore throat. The seeds of the Burdock plant are traditionally harvested in late summer.

The leaves of the Burdock plant are also harvested to create several herbal remedies. In general, however, the leaves of the Burdock plant are thought to be less effective than other parts, especially the root. The leaves of the Burdock plant are most commonly used to create a healing tonic for common stomach complaints, including indigestion and overall digestive weakness. The leaves of the Burdock plant are harvested before or during their flowering.