These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement or herbal regimen.

Butterbur

Analgesic

Petasites hybridus

PregnancyNursing

Last updated Mar 27, 2026

Description

Butterbur is a perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, used since ancient times for plague, fever, and respiratory conditions. Modern clinical trials have established it as an effective treatment for migraine prevention and allergic rhinitis. Only PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) products should be used.

Active Compounds

PetasinIsopetasinOxopetasinFlavonoidsSesquiterpenes

Traditional Uses

Plague treatment
Fever reduction
Headache relief
Respiratory support
Antispasmodic

Modern Uses

Migraine prevention
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Asthma
Headache prevention
Urinary spasms

Dosage Information

Recommended dosing guidelines

Forms: capsule, tablet, extract
Adult Dose: 50-75mg PA-free extract twice daily for migraines
Child Dose: PA-free extracts may be used for children 6-17 at reduced doses under medical supervision
Preparation Notes: CRITICAL: Only use certified PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) products such as Petadolex. Raw or unprocessed butterbur contains toxic PAs that can damage the liver. For migraine prevention, take consistently for at least 4 weeks.

Safety Information

Not recommended during pregnancy

Not recommended while nursing

Contraindications

Liver disease
Allergy to ragweed or daisy family
Pregnancy
Non-PA-free products (liver toxicity)

Possible Side Effects

GI upset
Belching
Headache
Fatigue
Liver damage (from PA-containing products)

Known Drug Interactions (1)

1 Mild

Drug	Severity	Description
CYP3A4 substrates	mild	Butterbur may inhibit CYP3A4 enzyme, potentially increasing blood levels of drugs metabolized by this pathway.

Calculate Dose Check Interactions

Command Palette