Butterbur

History:

Butterbur is a large, stout, hardy plant with huge, rhubarb-like leaves and clusters of pinkish, purplish flowers that is native to Europe (with a wide distribution in Britain), north and west Asia, and has been introduced into North America. It is a perennial herb that spreads mainly via an underground creeping rhizome (root) with individual plants functioning either as females or males, and it is typically found growing wild in wet meadows, marshes, floodplains, or beside damp roadsides and waterways in shade. Butterbur is so-called, because its huge leaves, with their downy undersides, were used to wrap butter in the days before refrigeration, and its botanical name, Petasites, is derived from the Greek word, petasos, a type of hat with a wide brim, which is appropriate, since the leaves (which may grow to two feet in width) are used even today as impromptu sunshades or umbrellas (another common name). **Although Butterbur is closely allied to Coltsfoot (sometimes even called by that name), it is a different plant; however, the two plants do have many related constituents and share many applications. Since ancient times, Butterbur has been highly valued as a medicinal plant. In early days, it was used for fevers associated with the plague, because, as Gerard noted in 1597, the plant "provoketh sweat and driveth from the heart all venom and evil[l] heat[e]."  The seventeenth-century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, recommended it as a "strengthener of the heart," as well as asupport for shortness of breath and removal of spots on the skin. Other historic remedies included removal of small kidney stones (gravel), ulcerated sores, bronchial asthma, colic and spasms. More recently, the roots have been employed as a cardiac support and forheadaches, fevers, asthma, coughs and many other conditions that echo the herb's historical value. The dried leaves have served as a tobacco substitute (not too popular because of its rank taste); and the roots, which are also bitter to taste, are dried and used in herbal preparations. Some of the constituents included in Butterbur include resins, mucilage, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (which are toxic, but removed for use in herbal therapy), petasin and isopetasin.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes. Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Butterbur Herbal Supplement. It is always wise to consult a physician before using this herb for specific conditions, particularly with regard to liver or kidney ailments, as it could be toxic. Large amounts of Butterbur or extended usage (many times the recommended dosage) should be avoided, as it may cause hypertension. If you're allergic to members of the daisy/aster family, do not use Butterbur, as it may actually worsen your allergy symptoms (Butterbur is related to the ragweed family of plants and may cause an allergic reaction).

Capsule Information:
Our Butterbur supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.