Butterbur

Butterbur (Latin name Petasites hybridus) is a shrub that typically grows on damp marshy ground in Europe and parts of Asia and North America. The English name - butterbur - derives from the traditional use of the leaves of this plant for wrapping butter in warm weather. Butterbur has historically been used to treat a variety of health problems, including pain, headaches, excitability, coughs, fevers and digestive and urinary tract ailments. Butterbur was also applied to the skin to improve the healing of wounds. Today, butterbur is used in folk medicine for nasal allergies, allergic skin reactions, asthma and migraine headaches. The leaves, root stem and root of butterbur are used to make solid extracts that are used in tablets. Some butterbur extracts are also applied to the skin.

What does the science say?

A review of the scientific literature reports that butterbur extracts were as effective as oral antihistamines for allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes in a clinical trial involving 125 volunteers. According to a systematic literature review, there is evidence to support the effectiveness of butterbur in the treatment of migraine. In addition, there is evidence that butterbur extract can reduce symptoms associated with nasal allergy. However, there is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the efficacy and safety of butterbur in the treatment of allergic skin reactions and asthma.

Side effects and precautions

The raw and unprocessed butterbur plant contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These alkaloids can cause liver damage that can result in serious illness. For this reason, only butterbur products that have had the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in butterbur removed and are labeled pyrrolizidine alkaloid free should be used. Several studies, including some conducted in children and adolescents, have reported that butterbur products that are free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids are safe and well tolerated when taken orally within the recommended dosage range for up to 12 to 16 weeks.

The safety of longer-term use has not yet been determined. Butterbur can cause side effects including belching, headaches, itchy eyes, digestive problems, asthma, fatigue and drowsiness. Butterbur may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants such as broomrape, chrysanthemum, marigold and daisy. Butterbur should only be administered to children under medical supervision.