Butterbur for Headaches

The butterbur plant is an ancient medicinal herb that continues to benefit people today. In earlier times, people would use the large heart-shaped leaves of the butterbur plant to wrap butter and keep it fresh during warm weather, hence the name. Additionally, medical healers understood the remedial properties of butterbur for headaches, muscle pain, nausea, and a host of other ailments. Today, people continue to use the European shrubbery to support the immune system and promote a healthy response to inflammation in people suffering from migraines.

Butterbur for headaches…and allergies

For headaches, butterbur owes its beneficial properties to two active ingredients- petasin and isopetasin, which together inhibit the production of leukotrienes, inflammatory chemicals triggered by allergens. Butterbur for headaches serves as a natural leukotriene inhibitor for people suffering from chronic allergies.

This is good news for migraine patients whose attacks are triggered by sinus headaches, who may benefit greatly by using butterbur for headaches, minus the grogginess associated with many allergy medicines.

Additionally, butterbur for headaches also limits production of histamine, another common migraine trigger that constricts the nasal passages and produces sinus congestion.

The science behind butterbur

Although scientific studies focusing on using butterbur for headaches and allergies are still in the beginning stages, thousands of migraine patients have, over the years, experienced manageable responses to inflammation, continued normal blood pressure, and an overall sense of wellbeing after incorporating butterbur for headaches into their migraine management plan.

When seeking high-quality butterbur for headaches supplements, it’s important to avoid any containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Pas), a toxic chemical sometimes released when processing butterbur leaves. Choose natural migraine ingredients that are labeled “PA-free,” for ensured safety and efficiency. Many reputable sites offering butterbur for headaches should be able to provide a guarantee that their products are free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

For good health, migraine patients may safely take butterbur for headaches in doses of 75 mg, twice daily with food. Although butterbur is a safe, gentle herb used for patients of all ages, please consult with your doctor before beginning any new migraine treatment.