Health Benefits of Betterbur

Butterbur

Butterbur is used today in controlling the headaches, asthma and serious cases of cough. During the Middle Ages it was used to treat the plague known as the "black death". Recent studies show that this herb can be used successfully to keep the common cold under control.

Description

Bearing the latin name of "Petasites officinalis" and more commonly known under the names of langwort or butterbur this herb is of perennial type and grows on the fields of Europe, Asia and North America. It can reach considerable sizes; only one leaf can grow as wide as an umbrella. It blooms at the end of April and the roots bearing a finger-like thickness are entwined in an underground net. In Europe, the butterbur has long been known as a medicinal herb. For centuries the herb has been considered as an effective remedy against fever and spasm. The Greek physician Dioscurides - who described the medicinal propreties of over six hundred herbs and over a thousand types of narcotics - used the butterbur leaves in treating the skin illnesses. Later in the 14th century the butterbur was used for relieving the effects of the "black death" plague and fever. Native Americans applied butterbur as a remedy for headaches and inflamations. The main usage of the butterbur today is mostly linked to controlling headaches, asthma and allergies. Extracts from the butterbur root are used in the treatment of stomach ulcer, infections and congestions.

Proprieties

The main active components are: the petasin and the isopetasin. The highest concentration of the two substances is found in the root of the herb and they play a very important part in the decrease of spasm, muscle relaxant and the soothing of the inflamed nasal membrane. The anti-spasmodical and anti-inflammatory proprieties of the herb have an important role in adjusting the calcium flow in the human body.

Mixtures and treatments

   The butterbur herb is found on the market under different aspects like extracts from the root of the herb and leaves, powder, tincture or medicin and pills. In the United States the easiest to come accross is the extract of butterbur for relieving of headaches and asthma, but it's not as effective at it as the extract from the butterbur leaves is, though the latter is not so oftenly found. It is known that the deep butterbur roots can protect against lung infections and body toxins. Also the butterbur root adjusts the blood pressure and is recommended in the cases of high and low blood pressure. In case of oscillating blood pressure it is recommended to have a spoon of butterbur powder on an empty stomach three times a day. Moreover the powdered root of butterbur combined with an equal measure of Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) make up a year long treatment effective against Basedow. Usage: one spoon a day on an empty stomach, three times a day. Simultaneously a strict diet with hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) mixed with Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) is recommended.

   Butterbur leaves have a strong sweet parfume to them which bear a calming effect, driving nightmares away, and are a real help to the people who wake up in the night with a strong feeling of anxiety that keeps them from falling back asleep. In order to avoid these symptoms it is recommended to have a spoon of powdered butterbur on an empty stomach three times a day, once every night before bed.

   The butterbur tea is an efficient remedy for fever, breathing disabilities, arthritis, epilepsy and asthma. Mixture: a spoon of grained butterbur roots are left to disolve in 1/4 litres over the night; in the morning the mixture is heated up and strained.

   In fighting off stress and states of nervousness it is recommended to have a cup of tea every morning made from a half a spoon of linden flowers, half a spoon of butterbur and a bit of basil. The plants mentioned are scalded in a cup of boiling water after which they are left to cool off for fifteen minutes after which they're strained. It's recommended that the tea contain honey.

   In the case of stomachaches - half a spoon of butterbur is left to boil in a cup of water for two minutes. Afterwards half a spoon of caraway and half of fennel are added into the mixture. Brewing time varies between 15-20 minutes; the tea should be drank hot and it can also be sweetened up and as a result, the stomachaches are expected to be gradually fade.

In order to reduce headaches it's recommended a daily mix of 75mg of butterbur with the food, two times a day. This special diet should be maintained for several months and should be stopped when the headaches don't occur for more than a month.

For treating the allergies that appear in the early spring, summer and autumn caused by inhaling pollen which causes a hypersensitivity reaction 8mg of butterbur taken 4 times a day no more than two weeks has proven to be effective.

Warning

It's well known that butterbur contains an array of alkaloids which are toxic for the human body especially for the liver. Any consumption of extracts containing alkaloids is to be avoided. To avoid health risks, all the mixtures made of or containing butterbur will be taken only with the recommendation of a specialist. butterbur will not be administrated to pregnant women and children.