Butterbur
Petasites hybridus
Herbs & Roots. Western & European.
Also called Bog rhubarb, Butterdock, Pestilence wort
Liver toxin unless PA-freeA marsh plant whose PA-free extract has been studied for migraines and hay fever.
Did you know? Its huge leaves were once used to wrap butter in cool places, which gave the plant its name.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Pain & headaches. Some good trials of a special PA-free extract cut migraine attacks. Results are mixed, and liver safety is a serious concern.Early proof
- Allergies. Trials on hay fever gave mixed results. Some found it close to cetirizine, while others found no benefit over placebo.Early proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
European herbalists used the root for headaches, coughs, and fevers. Most of its modern use comes from research on one special extract, not from folk practice.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic. Energy: neutral.
How people take it
Studies of the PA-free extract used about 50 to 75 mg, twice a day, for migraine prevention. Raw roots and leaves should never be eaten or brewed.
Capsule, tablet and tincture.
Where to get it
Grows in wet ground across Europe, Asia, and North America. Sold as PA-free extract capsules, but some products are not PA-free, so check the label. Do not dig up and eat the raw root.
Be careful
The main danger is liver injury from pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), natural toxins in the plant. Even PA-free extracts have caused liver damage in some reports. Stop and see a doctor for yellow skin, dark urine, belly pain, or nausea. Do not use it with liver disease or during pregnancy.
Avoid if: liver disease; pregnancy; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both have been studied for migraine prevention, with mixed results.
- Works well together
Often part of migraine prevention plans. The combination is not well studied.
- Use cautionAlcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
Both can strain the liver, and liver injury is the main risk of butterbur.
The honest take
Good-quality trials of one PA-free extract show benefit for migraine prevention, and some show benefit for hay fever. Because of liver risk, some regulators have pulled products and a major neurology group withdrew its endorsement. It is not a safe everyday choice for most people.