According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine headaches are debilitating and affect over 36 million people in the United States alone. In addition, migraine ranks in the top 20 of the world's most disabling medical conditions. There are hundreds of options for treating migraine headaches. A natural remedy growing in popularity is the use of Petasites hybridus root, more commonly known as butterbur.
Symptoms of Migraine Headaches
According to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), a migraine causes intense pain and throbbing in one area of the head. Sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting can also accompany migraine headaches. Women are affected by migraine three times more often than men. Many people report an aura prior to getting a migraine. This aura often manifests as a temporary loss in vision or visual disturbances such as flashes of light or zig-zag lines.
About the Butterbur Plant
The butterbur plant is found in Europe, Asia and North America. It is a flowering perennial shrub that grows in wet marshy areas. It has large broad leaves, and the flowers can grow up to 3 feet high. Butterbur leaves and roots have been used medicinally since the middle ages.
Administration and Effectiveness
Butterbur extract is used daily as a preventative treatment to reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks. It is available commercially in capsule, powder, extract, tincture and soft gel form. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that butterbur is thought to have antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle and vascular walls. In addition, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Dosages range from 50 to 75 mgs twice daily. Clinical trials at this dosage reported a reduction in the number of attacks experienced per month according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Side-Effects and Adverse Reactions
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program, it is possible to experience gastrointestinal side-effects, nausea, headache, drowsiness and halitosis from butterbur therapy. There is also research that suggests a decrease in testosterone production while consuming butterbur.
Considerations
Butterbur is a naturally occurring herb, but that does not mean that it is universally safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. When selecting butterbur look for a commercially prepared pyrrolizidine-free extract. Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (UPAs) can cause liver and kidney damage. They also have been known to cause cancer. Research according to drug information online shows that butterbur should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women because of potential liver toxins with carcinogenic and mutagenic potential.
References
- Drug Information Online: Butterbur
- Natural Medicines: Natural Medicines in the Clinical Management of Headache
- American Academy of Neurology: Migraine
- Migraine Research Foundation: Migraine
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Petasites hybridus root (butterbur) is an effective preventative treatment for migraines
