A migraine is a severe headache that may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and vomiting. It often affects one part of the head only and can be triggered by a number of factors including noise, stress and some foods or drinks. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller may help to reduce symptoms, but people who suffer from severe or frequent migraines may need prescription treatments. The herb known as butterbur is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for migraines, but evidence to prove it works is limited. Talk to a doctor before using it to treat a migraine.
Properties and Administration
Extracts from the roots and leaves of the butterbur shrub (Petasites hybridus) are used to treat a number of ailments including asthma, allergic rhinitis and migraine. Butterbur contains compounds known as petasins, which likely confer its therapeutic effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 50 mg to 75 mg of a standardized extract of butterbur twice daily to reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks. However, this is only a guideline. Ask your doctor how much you should take.
Effectiveness
The results of a placebo-controlled trial by H.C. Diener and colleagues published in the January 2004 issue of "European Neurology" show that butterbur reduced the frequency of migraine attacks from 3.4 to 1.8 after three months of treatment, compared to a reduction from 2.9 to 2.6 in the placebo group. The authors conclude that butterbur may be an effective prophylactic treatment for migraine. However, an analysis of clinical data by R. Agosti et al. published in the November 2006 issue of "Phytomedicine" concludes that further studies are required to confirm its efficacy before it can be recommended as a migraine treatment.
Side Effects and Contraindications
Butterbur may contain chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage. Make sure you choose a preparation that states that these chemicals have been removed. RxList notes that butterbur can cause other side effects including stomach upset and fatigue. Do not use this herb if you have a known allergy to marigolds, daisies or ragweed. Do not take butterbur if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Other Herbal Options
Several other herbs that may help to alleviate migraines include feverfew, ginkgo biloba, dong quai and ginger. Like butterbur, however, these herbs may cause side effects or be contraindicated in some conditions. For example, feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding and should not be used by patients with a bleeding disorder. Ask your doctor for advice before using herbs to treat a migraine.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Butterbur
- PubMed: The First Placebo-Controlled Trial of a Special Butterbur Root Extract for the Prevention of Migraine: Reanalysis of Efficacy Criteria
- PubMed: Effectiveness of Petasites hybridus Preparations in the Prophylaxis of Migraine: A Systematic Review
- RxList: Butterbur
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