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BUTTERBUR
Petasites officinalis/hybridus

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(Roots) headaches, migraine, pain with angina pectoris, pain in the chest, menstrual cramps; ... (leaves) hay fever, itchy or runny nose (rhinitis), whooping cough (also with bronchial asthma).

Description

Composition :
100% Petasites officinalis - hybridus - 250 mg

Part used :
Leaves (P. hybridus) and/or root (P. officinalis)

Butterbur (Petasites officinalis/hybridus), also known as Bog Rhubarb, Devil’s Hat and Pestilence Wort, is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the Daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Europe and northern Asia. The plant prefers wet or swampy areas. The flowers are produced in the early spring, before the leaves appear; they are pale pink, with several inflorescences clustered on a 5 – 20 cm (15-60in) stem. The leaves are large, on stout 80 – 120 cm (2-4ft) tall stems, round, with a diameter of 40 – 70 cm (1-2ft).

Butterbur contains minute concentrations of a alcaloid (pyrrolizidin) which has cancerogenic properties; however, it also contains substances (petasin and isopetasin) which inhibit histamine and leukotrienes (substances which are critical in causing allergies). It is therefore a popular natural remedy for hay fever and sinusitis.

Butterbur root has been also reported to be effective in reducing frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Several double-blind studies have shown that high doses of extracts of Butterbur root containing petasin and/or isopetasin, are effective both in preventing and in relieving migraine, with the best results coming in more severe cases. The American Academy of Neurology and American Headache Society now endorse Butterbur for preventing migraine headaches with a Level A recommendation (based on at least two strong clinical trials). Additionally, a study showed Butterbur extract to be a effective treatment for hay fever without the sedative effect of the antihistamine cetirizine, if taken four times daily.

According to Mayo Clinic’s ‘Book of Alternative Medicine’ (second edition, 2010: Ch. 3, Pg. 50), “Some studies indicate participants who took Butterbur were able to significantly decrease the number of migraine headaches. Other studies suggest that Butterbur may alleviate the nasal congestion caused by hay fever.“

The use of Butterbur root may relieve cramps and muscles, especially during menstruation, reduce pain, and relax the vegetative nervous system.

History: Butterbur leaves have traditionally been used in European folk medicine internally (as tea or cold maceration in ethanol) and externally (as compresses or maceration in vinegar) for treatment of infections, fever, flu, and colds. Butterbur was used by American indians as a remedy for headache and inflammation.

The herbalist Nicholas Culpeper called it "a great preserver of the heart and reviver of the spirits". Its many uses in folk medicine include applications as a diuretic and muscle relaxant and to treat coughs, fever, wounds, stammering, headaches, asthma and stress. Not all of these uses are supported by scientific research, however.

Dosage

Take 3-6 capsules daily, with plenty of water.

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