- Powerful analgesic, for acute pain of migraine and other headaches.
- Reduces spasms or cramps in muscles, urinary tract, bronchi, stomach.
Petasites hybridus (butterbur) is an herbal plant found throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For centuries the leaves and rhizomes of this perennial shrub have been used as an important medicinal herb. Modern researchers have discovered that extracts of petasites contain active ingredients that prevent migraines and act as an antispasmodic to support chronic cough or asthma.
Butterbur was used by native Americans as a remedy for headache and inflammation. Some Butterbur contains petasin and isopetasin, with the highest concentrations occurring in the root. The best-documented beneficial effect of Butterbur extracts are as a treatment of migraine headaches. Several mainstream double-blind studies have shown that extracts of Butterbur petasin and/or isopetasin are effective both in preventing and in relieving migraine, with the best results coming in more severe cases. Additionally, a peer-reviewed journal published a Swiss study showing Butterbur extract to be an effective treatment for hay fever without the sedative effect of the antihistamine cetirizine.
