How Butterbur Benefits Migraines

By | September 13, 2018

butterbur benefits

Butterbur benefits may offer support for migraine relief.

Those who struggle with chronic headaches and migraine pain know all too well how difficult is it to find symptom relief in the midst of an episode. The medical community is still working to gain an understanding of how and why migraine headaches occur and how to best support those who struggle with them. One natural remedy proven helpful by researchers and migraine sufferers alike is known as butterbur. Butterbur is a shrub that grows wild in wet climates, and the extract of the roots, rhizomes, and leaves are used by herbalists to help support prevention of migraines. Keep reading to learn more about how butterbur benefits migraines and why you might want to consider using it for the temporary relief of your minor headache discomfort.

What is Butterbur?

The butterbur plant or Petasites hybridus is a shrub that grows in the wet marshy areas of Asia, Europe, and North America. It gets its name from the way it was commonly used before the days of modern refrigeration. In order to keep butter from melting in the heat, people would wrap it in the large, green leaves of the butterbur plant to keep it cool and ready to use. Additionally, butterbur was once called plague weed, because many people living during the 16th and 17th centuries gathered it to treat and prevent the spread of the deadly plague epidemic. This plant has a long history of medicinal use, and scientists are now able to provide positive research backing some of the health claims for which the plant has been known anecdotally for centuries.

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Understanding Butterbur Benefits for Migraine Support

The butterbur plant is rich in naturally occurring sesquiterpenes, specifically petasin and isopetasin. These sesquiterpenes have been shown to support healthy blood vessels and normal blood flow, both of which have been associated with the relief of migraine symptoms. However, the butterbur plant also contains chemicals known as pyrrolizidine alkaloids (or PAs) which have been shown to contribute to liver damage. Because of this, it is critical to ensure any butterbur products you purchase or ingest are PA free. One of the most common PA-free products on the market is the proprietary extract Petadolex. Petadolex has been carefully patented and studied, showing wealth of potential positive effects in the relief of migraine symptoms.

Dosage & Usage

Although research suggests that butterbur is helpful for temporary migraine relief, the effects of long-term use have not been established. Speak with your healthcare provider to evaluate the potential benefits and risks of taking butterbur in relation to your health goals. Butterbur is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. The supplement should always be taken according to package instructions or as recommended by your migraine specialist.

Experience These Butterbur Benefits for Yourself!

If you’re ready to try potential butterbur benefits for yourself, Natural Healthy Concepts has a host of products to choose from.

For quick relief, try Petadolex Fast-Acting by Enzymatic Therapy. This herbal headache support product has been studied in a neurological clinical trial examining short-term use. More than 75% of participants experienced an immediate response that was reported as good or excellent.

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If you’re looking for a daily supplement to support healthy blood flow to the brain as well as healthy neurological function, try Butterbur with Feverfew from NOW Foods. These vegan capsules combine the proven support of butterbur with the added benefits of feverfew to support against headache pain and offer support for a healthy seasonal immune response.

Petadolex from Integrative Therapeutics provides all the benefits of purple butterbur without any PAs. Each capsule contains 50 mg of butterbur to support healthy blood vessel relaxation in the brain.

Do you have any questions about potential butterbur benefits? Leave your thoughts and comments below and our team will do their best to respond.

About Theresa Groskopp, CN

Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking. Theresa Groskopp

Healthy Concepts with a Nutrition Bias