Petasites hybridus AKA "butterbur" is an antispasmodic and pain reliever remedy that has been used for over 2000 years. An extract of the root prevents migraine headaches.
Second Nature Care Herbal Medicine
I've had several patients over the years who suffered with migraine headaches. We identified food allergies, changed their diets, cleaned up the gut and I usually prescribed butterbur as a prophylactic medicine. Migraine sufferers need something to prevent disabling headaches. When struck with a headache most people with migraines will go into headache hiberation - a dark room, no light, no food and try to sleep it off. They usually emerge two days later and feel terrible about their lack of quality of life.
Well known in Germany by the Commission E, Butterbur extract (petasin), is recognized as the only natural Level A supplement by the American Headache Society and American Academy of Neurology for the prevention of migraine or for prophylaxis use. It is deemed effective and should be prescribed accordingly.
The active component, Petasins, have calcium-channel blocking effects which prevent spasms. In addition, butterbur is an anti-inflammatory (inhibits leukotriene production) and vasodilator as proven on the cerebral arteries in previous studies.
A recent 12 week study with 58 participants either received two 25 mg capsules of Petasites hybridus extract twice a day or placebo. Frequency of headaches in the treatment group decreased by 45%. Five participants who received the real herb did not report a single mirgraine headache during the 8 week study.
A larger study of 202 participants compared Petasites hybridus extract of 50 mg twice a day and 75 mg twice a day vs placebo. Those who received 75 mg twice daily had frequency reduction of headaches by 48%, 50 mg twice daily was 36% reduction and 26% reduction for placebo.
Another pediatric study of children aged 6-17 years taking between 50-150 mg daily were followed for 4 months. 77% of these children had reduced frequency of migraines and after 4 months 91% felt better.
It's safe for children and no one withdrew from the studies because of side effects.
Caution:
Butterbur should not be used in pregnancy or during breastfeeding, in young children or with individuals with severe kidney or liver disease. Unpurified butterbur can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are hepatotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. I only recommend butterbur products that are standardized and have removed these alkaloids. I use Petadolex because they remove the alkaloids.
Second Nature patients take Petadolex from our virtual pharmacy at Emerson Ecologics. Go to www.secondnaturecare.com click restore and click emersonecologics. Passcode is SECOND.
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