Butterbur: What are its Potent Benefits?
Butterbur is also known scientifically as Petasites mixedus. It's a perennial shrub that is native to North America, Asia and Europe. This herb has been widely used in European traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and diuretic properties. It is also a sedative, expectorant, and diuretic. It was actually prescribed once by Hippocrates!
Butterbur has been widely researched for its health benefits. Butterbur is used most often as an all-natural remedy for asthma, allergies, headaches, colds and other Inflammation conditions. It is also used for its anti-microbial and Antioxidant properties.
This is what others have said about it
According to recent reports , butterbur could be helpful in reducing seasonal allergy symptoms. According to a study in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, supplementing with butterbur extract decreased the severity of symptoms in patients suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. This also led to a better quality of life, and less medication use.
A 2012 study that reviewed studies found butterbur to be an effective treatment for migraines. This study looked at 11 random controlled trials. It found butterbur had a significantly lower number of migraine attacks than placebo.
Butterbur's Purported Benefits
Butterbur can offer many benefits including:
- Reduce the severity of seasonal allergies
- Seasonal allergy sufferers can improve their quality of life
- Migraine attacks can be reduced by reducing their frequency
- Inflammation is decreasing
- Spasms, cramps and other discomforts can be relieved
- As an expectorant/diuretic
- Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
Views of experts and professionals regarding butterbur
Butterbur is often recommended by professionals and experts for certain ailments. Andrew Weil is a prominent integrative medicine doctor who recommends butterbur to reduce seasonal allergies and migraine headaches. Butterbur is more effective than over-the-counter medication, according to Dr. Andrew Weil.
Naturopathic physician Dr. Elaine Marshall agrees butterbur can be used to treat allergies and migraines. Butterbur can be safely used for long periods of time without adverse side effects.
Butterbur: How do you get started?
It is important that you consult your doctor before trying butterbur. People who are nursing, pregnant or on certain medication should not consume butterbur. You can talk to your healthcare provider about the right dosage.
You can buy butterbur in capsules, tablets, or liquid extract form. The majority of products are available in 50mg doses that can be taken up to three times daily. Butterbur Supplements can be purchased at many health food shops, online pharmacies, and drugstores.
Do you need to be aware of any side-effects?
Butterbur can be used safely and is well tolerated when it's done as instructed. Butterbur can have mild side effects, such as nausea and stomach upset. You may experience dizziness and drowsiness. These side effects can be severe so consult your doctor immediately.
Butterbur contains high levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic. Look for PA-free products or extracts that are not contaminated with PAs to reduce your risk. Products that are PA-free have been processed to eliminate most PAs.
Butterbur, a potent natural remedy that has many health benefits, is my conclusion. Butterbur has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Now, it is being investigated for the ability to lower seasonal allergies and migraine headaches. Butterbur can cause side effects but is usually safe when taken as directed. You should consult your doctor before you consider using butterbur to reap its health benefits.