| Migraineurs would prefer not to have migraines at | | | | side effects. The only side effect reported was |
| all. If headache cannot be eliminated, reducing the | | | | minor gastrointestinal upset, and that was in a |
| number of migraine episodes they experience | | | | small portion of both the herb and placebo groups. |
| would certainly be an improvement. It would be | | | | Butterbur is currently considered to be safe, as of |
| even better if it could be done without synthetic | | | | this writing, to take with other migraine |
| pharmacologicals. | | | | medications. A healthcare professional should |
| Migraineurs, meet butterbur (Petasites hybridus). | | | | always be included in the decision to add herbal |
| Butterbur is a shrub native to southwestern Asia, | | | | products to any treatment regimen. |
| Europe, and northern Africa. It is not what's | | | | Crude butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids |
| above ground that makes it interesting though, it's | | | | (PAs). These alkaloids are known to be toxic in |
| the root. Several studies have shown that daily | | | | humans, particularly to the liver. When choosing |
| doses of extract of butterbur root reduced the | | | | butterbur, make sure the product is labeled |
| frequency of migraine episodes by approximately | | | | PA-free. |
| 50% in almost 80% of the participants. | | | | The amount of alkaloids in butterbur root is |
| Butterbur is used in Europe and Asia, but only in | | | | minimal, less than 0.01% concentration. Most |
| the last decade have American doctors looked at | | | | butterbur treatment regimens recommend taking |
| it as a viable herbal preventative for migraineurs. | | | | the supplement for a maximum of for to six |
| Double blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted | | | | months. If migraine frequency increases, it is safe |
| in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 all confirmed | | | | to take again for another 4-6 months, but at |
| the herb's efficacy. | | | | least a month needs to separate each course of |
| Migraine frequency reduction ranged from 37% - | | | | treatment. |
| 62% among study participants, with almost no | | | | |