Sassafras Station

Butterbur is a perennial shrub that is native to northern Asia and parts of Europe. It has been used for many years to treat coughs and other allergy symptoms. It is also believed to reduce muscles spasms and it has an anti-inflammatory effect. Because of all of these reasons it’s considered a natural cure for treating asthma that is triggered by allergies.

Several studies have been done to evaluate the effectiveness of butterbur in treating asthma. One study at the University of Dundee in Scotland showed that butterbur added to the anti-inflammatory effect of inhalers. Another study which followed 80 people for four months showed that taking butterbur improved their asthma symptoms and 40% of the sufferers were able to cut back their asthma by the end of the study.

A study published in the March 2006 edition of Advances in Therapy also showed the benefits of butterbur in treating asthma. Researchers evaluated 580 patients that suffered with seasonal allergies and gave them butterbur for two weeks. At the beginning of the study all 580 participants were suffering with stuffy noses, itchy eyes and skin irritants. Two weeks later at the end of the study 90% of the participants noticed a significant improvement in their symptoms.

Butterbur isn’t for everyone. Butterbur is part of the ragweed family so if you have an allergy to ragweed, daisies, marigolds or chrysanthemums you should not take butterbur. Some of the side effects of butterbur can include indigestion, headache, nausea and fatigue.

You can purchase butterbur in capsule and tablet form. Do not use any butterbur product that says it contains “raw butterbur”. They can contain substances that are toxic to the liver and kidneys. Any product you purchase from your local health food should be fine.

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