Butterbur Extract

Species Name: Petasites, Petasites hybridus

Also known as: Blatterdock, butterbur coltsfoot, bogshorns, exwort, petasites, petasites rhizome

What Is Butterbur Extract? Butterbur extract is made from the butterbur shrub.

In particular, the extract is made from the large leaves of the plant. The leaves of the butterbur plant also give it is unique, common name.

The leaves were used to wrap butter during warmer days to protect it. The butterbur shrub is commonly found in Europe and Asia but it is sometimes found in North America as well.

It grows well in marshy, wet areas, especially along rivers and streams.

Home Remedies Using Butterbur Extract:

Benefits of Butterbur Extract:

Butterbur has been traditionally used as an analgesic and an antispasmodic.

It works well for aiding in problems related to the stomach and bile ducts.

In addition, Butterbur naturally helps to improve digestion and to reduce obstructions in the bile's flow. To do this, it acts as an anti-inflammatory treatment in the urinary tract.

Butterbur extract can also be used to reduce cramping. While many use this extract for these benefits, it has not been proven conclusively.

There are numerous additional uses for Butterbur extract. They include using it to treat a cough or throat irritation.

According to Bastyr Center for Natural Health, there are studies using butterbur leaf that show it can work well as an antihistamine reducing the symptoms of allergy sufferers.

It also alleviates muscle spasms by reducing the effect of cramping.

Another way that this extract is used is as a treatment for migraines. Those who suffer from migraine headaches can drink this extract with tea or other liquids as a way of relieving the pressure and throbbing for this type of headache.

There has been scientific research where the findings show a marked improvement in the number of migraines regular sufferers experienced while taking butterbur extract.

Butterbur has shown promise of helping individuals who have gastric damage, such as those that have difficulties related to ulcers. It works by reducing the production of acids in the stomach and relieving the inflammation often causing the ulcer pain.

Side Effects of Butterbur Extract:

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Butterbur extract.

Those who take this extract should do so following only the recommended dosage and should taper their dose down as they see symptoms improve.