Petasites or butterbur is a woodland plant that is a member of the daisy family. It grows freely in damp conditions throughout Europe and the British Isles. Petasites means ‘large brimmed hat’, which is the best way to describe the large, round leaves. The root and leaves are used in herbal medicine.
Action of Petasites / Butterbur
Although Petasites contains many sesquiterpene lactones one, known as petasin, is thought to give this herb its potent antispasmodic and pain relieving properties. Petasites / butterbur also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, volatile oil, pectin, mucilage and inulin.
Traditionally this herb is said to have astringent, sedative, tonic, mild diuretic and expectorant action.
Petasites / Butterbur Uses
Herbalists recommend Petasites / Butterbur for the following disorders:
| Allergic rhinitis
| Back and neck pain / spasms
| Hayfever
| Migraine headaches
| Menstrual cramping
| Muscle spasms
| Pain relief
| Stomach pain / gastritis
Other Petasites / Butterbur Information
Petasites / Butterbur has also been used traditionally for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, fevers, colds, skin problems, urinary inflammation and gall bladder complaints. This herb is normally available as capsules or tablets, which can be taken up to 3 times daily. Long term use is fine, provided the directed dose is used.
Cautions When Using Petasites / Butterbur
| Generally, there are no side effects from petasites / butterbur when used as directed, however high doses should be avoided due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. For this reason this herb is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and is not suitable for children under 12, unless directed by a qualified herbalist.
| Petasites / Butterbur may interact with central nervous system (CNS) depressants or stimulants (ie. Tranquilisers, barbiturates and antidepressants). This herb may also delay or decrease the action of antibacterial drugs such as nalixidic acid and sulphonamides. It is therefore best avoided if using these medicines.
| Petasites / Butterbur may actually increase the action of other drugs that have pain-relieving properties (ie. analgesics and anaesthetics), so in theory lower doses of these medicines could be used, which could reduce associated side effects. Consult your doctor to discuss the use of this herb if already using these drugs.
| When this article was written there were no other well-known side effects, drug interactions and contra-indications from using petasites / butterbur.
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