Today, butterbur is best known as a treatment formigrainesand allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
This article looks at the scientific research into butterbur’s use as a treatment for migraines and hay fever.
It also discusses dosage, safety, and what to look for when buying butterbur.
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No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Butterbur gets its name from a time when people would wrap butter in its huge leaves to prevent melting.
The exact way butterbur works is unknown.
It’s thought that an active component of butterbur called petasin may have anti-inflammatory and other effects.
For instance, it may relax blood vessels in the brain that become overexcited during a migraine.
These studies also found no significant adverse effects.
Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Traditionally, butterbur has been used to treatasthmaandbronchitisand reduce mucus.
Some studies have concluded that butterbur extracts may be as effective as second-generation antihistamines.
The results aren’t always consistent for all patients, however.
These are inflammatory chemicals involved in allergic reactions.
And both treatments were more effective than the placebo.
What Are the Side Effects of Butterbur?
These studies have focused on recommended doses taken by mouth for up to 16 weeks.
The safety of longer-term use has not been established.
These can cause liver damage and have been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies.
These substances are typically removed in commercially available preparations.
check that any butterbur products you use are certified and labeled PAfree.
Butterbur is a member of the ragweed plant family.
This means people who are allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, or chrysanthemums should avoid butterbur.
People who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or who are nursing should also not take butterbur.
Dosage: How Much Butterbur Should I Take?
Children should not take more than 5075 mg twice daily.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Butterbur?
There are no reports of overdose when taking PA-free butterbur.
However, you should follow the manufacturer’s dosage recommendations.
Interactions
Avoid taking butterbur if you are taking anticholinergics or CYP3A4 inducers.
How to Store Butterbur
Keep butterbur supplements in their original packaging in a cool, dry place.
Similar Supplements
Feverfew has also been studied for its efficacy in preventing migraine headaches.
There is no clear evidence yet to support its use for this purpose.
It is believed safe to take butterbur supplements that are certified PA-free.
Long-term use of butterbur has not been well studied.
Research suggests that it is probably safe to use butterbur daily for up to four months.
Petadolex contains no less than 15% petasins.
The same formulation has been used in many migraine trials.
Summary
Butterbur is a shrub that’s used to prevent migraine headaches and treat hay fever.
There is some evidence to support its use for this purpose, but more research is needed.
Butterbur is generally considered safe as long as it is PA-free.
Never take unprocessed butterbur, as it can cause liver damage.
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