Butterbur As Alternative Medicine

Butterbur As Alternative Medicine

Butterbur is an alternative medicine that has been used for centuries to treat cough and wounds on skin. In the Middle Ages it was used to try to treat the plague. Butterbur is also known as Western coltsfoot, Arctic butterbur and bog rhubarb and belongs to the ragweed family.

1. It is a treatment for migraine headache.
2. It is a remedy for asthma, hay fever and bronchitis.
3. It is effective in reducing muscle spasms.
4. It is useful for treating stomach complaints.
5. It is effective for urination problems

Butterbur cannot be used on its own as it can be poisonous unless properly processed. It is often taken as capsules or tablets, dried root and dried herb under such standardized extract products Petadolex, Petaforce and Tesalin. Recommended dosage is 50 to 75 mg twice a day. The toxic alkaloids that are harmful to kidneys and liver have been removed through processing. It is commonly used together with Marshmallow or Horehound as a cough treatment.

This herb is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and children. It is also not for those who suffer from liver problems such as hepatitis. People who are allergic to ragweed should not take this herb too. Butterbur is an alternative medicine that is highly toxic if used unprocessed.