Butterbur is the common name used for plants in the Petasites family, and Common butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is the one used most commonly for its medicinal benefits. Historically, herbalists used Butterbur for the treatment of water retention, cough, fever, headaches, asthma and stress.
Top Health Benefits of Butterbur
Migraine Relief
In addition to its historic use, Butterbur has been used in research trials for the treatment of migraines. It has been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. There is a standardized extract of Butterbur that is called Petadolex. At a dose of 150mg daily (75mg twice daily), this extract was shown to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks by over 50%, after four months of consistent treatment.
Spasmolytic Benefits
Another major function of Butterbur is the relaxation of spasms in a variety of different body systems. Benefits have been found in spasms of the urinary tract, which can help to reduce the symptoms of urgency and frequency in those with overactive bladder. It also helps to relieve spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, as in cases of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), and in the bile duct, which can help to reduce the painful symptoms associated with Gallstones.
Seasonal Allergies
Daily supplementation of Butterbur leaf extract has been shown to help reduce nasal itching in those suffering from hay fever in equivalent amounts to two over the counter medications (cetirizine and fexofenadine).
Butterbur Supplement Varieties, Uses & Benefits
Butterbur can be found alone or in combination with other herbs in capsule form. Some manufacturers will use the proprietary form of Butterbur extract that has been used in research studies (Petadolex), which can also be found in capsule form. Research has shown that a daily dose of 150mg helps to prevent migraines, while only 100mg was not successful. The dose for the spasmolytic properties has not yet been established, so follow the dosing directions provided by the manufacturer. For hay fever, 100mg daily is successful.
Shopping For Quality Herbal Supplements
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