"Butterbur - An Effective Herb For Treating Allergies and Migraines!"


SinusButterbur (Petasites hybridus) is reputed to be an effective treatment for allergies and migraine headaches. But does it really work? Plus, is it safe to take?

It is thought to have anti-inflammatory actions as it decreases levels of chemicals associated with allergic reactions such as histamine and leukotrienes.

However, it contains potentially harmful chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) that may be toxic to the liver and have the potential to cause Cancer.

If you should choose to take this product, make sure you purchase one that is PA free .



Research On Its Effectiveness In Treating Allergies

HeadacheA study published in 2004 in "Clinical & Experimental Allergy" found it to be as effective as the prescription medication Allegra as a treatment for the symptoms of Hay Fever.

In another study published in a 2005 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" it was found to be as effective as the medicine Zyrtec in treating Hay Fever.


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Additionally, it was found to cause less drowsiness which is a frequent side effect of the prescription medicines.

In a randomized clinical trial published in the 2002 issue of the “British Medical Journal", Butterbur was compared to the prescription medicine Cetrizine as a treatment for seasonal allergies.

Of the 125 participants involved, 64 received this herb four times daily while 61 received Cetrizine each evening. After two weeks, both groups were evaluated on a number of factors including the severity of their symptoms and the overall improvement in their condition.

At the end of this study, the researchers concluded it was just as effective as Cetrizine as a treatment for Hay Fever.



Migraine Headache Research

MiigraineIn a randomized clinical trial, 245 individuals were given either 75 milligrams of Petasites extract twice daily; 50 milligrams of Petasites extract twice daily, or a placebo.

After four months, Migraine frequency was reduced by 48 percent in the group taking 75 milligrams of Butterbur, 36 percent in the group taking the 50-milligram dose, and 26 percent in the group taking placebo.


Google News reports that results from a recent clinical trial indicated this herb was found to be effective in relieving Migraine Headaches in children and adolescents.

In this study, for four months, 108 subjects were given a dosage that ranged from from 50 to 150 mg., varied by age and tolerance to medicine.

This herb significantly reduced Migraines in these children and adolescents with 37 percent stating that their headaches had been cut in half.


In another double-blind study, Butterbur was evaluated for its Migraine preventive capabilities on 60 men and women who had experienced at least 3 Migraine headaches a month.

At the end of three months, positive results were seen. 75 percent of those taking this herb reported improvement in their condition, compared to 25 percent of those in the placebo group.



Dosage

1 to 2 capsules, standardized to contain 7.5 milligrams of Petasites hybridus, 3 times daily.

It is recommend you purchase capsules that are free of the carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids to avoid damage to the liver.



Contraindications

Side effects are rare when the PA free form of this herb is taken and are primarily limited to gastrointestinal problems.

It may block the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine when used with antihistamines, phenothiazines, Atropine, Scopolamine, and tricyclic antidepressants.

It is contraindicated in pregnant or nursing women.


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