Headaches affect a large number of people and are characterized by a throbbing or pulsating pain, and may be accompanied by a tightening of the muscles in the neck and scalp. Headaches may be triggered by a number of factors, including stress, fatigue, anxiety and eye strain. In addition, women are more likely to suffer from headaches than men, which may reflect fluctuating hormone levels. Over-the-counter painkillers usually help to relieve headache symptoms. Some herbs may also help to prevent or treat headaches. Get medical advice before using herbs to treat a headache.
Properties
Butterbur is a shrub-like plant native to regions of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, including allergies, asthma and migraines. The leaves and roots of this plant are used to make herbal remedies and, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, they contain a number of biologically active ingredients, including petasins, which are compounds that may help to prevent spasms.
Administration
Butterbur is available in tablet or capsule form. You may also be able to take it as a liquid tincture. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 50 mg to 75 mg of a standardized extract of butterbur twice daily for tension headaches, while RxList notes that 50 mg to 100 mg is usually taken twice daily with food in order to prevent more severe headaches, like migraine. Always talk to your doctor before taking this herb to establish the right dose and treatment schedule for you personally.
Effectiveness
Studies examining the efficacy of butterbur treatment for general headaches are limited, but RxList notes that it is likely effective as a prophylactic treatment for migraine headaches. The results of a study published in the December 2004 issue of "Neurology" show that taking 75 mg of butterbur twice daily is an effective preventive therapy for migraine. The researchers note that 50 mg of butterbur taken twice daily was no more effective than placebo.
Considerations
According to RxList.com, butterbur is likely safe for most people. However, it may cause side effects including diarrhea, itching, fatigue and stomach upset. Ensure that you choose a butterbur supplement that states that pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been removed. These chemicals are unsafe and may damage your liver, blood vessels and lungs. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you are allergic to plants from the same family as butterbur, such as daisies and marigolds.
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