Butterbur for Migraines

The scientific name of butterbur herb is Petasites hybridus. Butterbur is also known as European pestroot or sweet coltsfoot. Traditionally, this herb has been used by native Americans for treating headaches, asthma, allergies, pain, fever, spasms, etc. Butterbur contains chemical substances, sesquiterpenes like petasin and isopetasin which are helpful in treating several conditions like digestive disorders, skin diseases, pain, headache, migraine, cough, urinary and genital tract spasms, ulcers, arthritis, edema, etc. The herb exhibits anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties which are actually responsible for high medicinal value of the herb.

How Butterbur Helps Lower the Symptoms of Migraine

Butterbur is a low lying perennial herb. Leaves, flowers, stems, and root stock of this herb are used to treat various conditions. Various species of this herb are known for the exceptional medicinal properties. Petasin from butterbur is mainly responsible for the anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. The anti-inflammatory properties are especially useful in lowering the symptoms of migraine. Standardized butterbur capsules (25 milligrams) are available in the market. Petasites extract is also available for medicinal use. In liquid extract, concentration of the medicinal elements may vary from brand to brand. Other than the above mentioned Petasites hybridus, Tussilago petasltes or P. frigidus (also known as western coltsfoot) are used to treat various medical conditions. You should consult your physician for the correct dosage of butterbur. You may take butterbur extract for migraines, but you need to know that the active extract components may vary from batch to batch. Excessive consumption of this herb may lead to certain side effects. The herb also contains certain harmful substances and there is no standardization regarding purity of the extract.

Side Effects of Butterbur

While taking butterbur herb for migraines, you should inform your doctor about your routine medications because the herb may interfere with those medications and may cause certain side effects. If you are taking anticholinergics such as atropine, then you should tell your physician before opting for butterbur. People with decreased intestinal or bladder motility should not use butterbur for migraines as it may worsen the situation. According to some expert health care professionals, use of this herb might lead to liver dysfunction or even cancer, because it contains Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids (PAs). As scientific studies do not support benefits of butterbur, pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid butterbur. Commonly observed side effects of this herb are

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Belching

You should check the label for the ingredients and the purity of the extract. Serious side effects include jaundice, pain in the upper right quadrant and abdominal swelling. Since butterbur is a cousin of ragweed, those who have ragweed allergy may experience an allergic reaction after using butterbur. They may suffer from skin rashes, itching, swelling of the mouth, lips or throat, wheezing and shortness of breath. Actually, use of butterbur for allergies is very common. But as I said, you need to take proper precautions while consuming butterbur.

In Germany, butterbur is prescribed for migraine for more than 30 years. Normally, taking 75 mg twice daily with food helps reduce number and duration of migraine attacks. You will be able to notice the difference when you consume butterbur at least for a month. You may choose the pills with the PAs removed. Daily dose of PAs should not be more than 1 mcg.

Though butterbur has been used to treat various diseases and disorders, information which can prove the safety and effectiveness of the herb is not available. No human studies show such data. So you should take the necessary precautions while taking butterbur for migraines. When consumed with proper precautions, butterbur significantly reduces number and duration of migraine attacks per month.