Butterbur Root Profile

Also known as

Petasites hybridus, Lagwort, Plague-flower, Butterdock, Butterfly Dock, Butter-dock, Bog Rhubarb, Flapperdock, Umbrella leaves, and Bogshorns,

Introduction

During Colonial times, housewives often used the enormous leaves to wrap around butter to keep it cool and fresh. The plant is native to the wet, Marshy lands of Europe, Northern Asia, and even in parts of Scandinavia. It grows best in shady places, by waterways, marshes, or wet meadows. One variety is also native to North America.

Constituents

Pyrrolizidine type alkaloids, mainly senecionine and integerrimine; flavonoids, including quercetin, astragalan and isoquercitrin; petasin, neopetasin; tannins; mucilage; volatile oil; sesquiterpene

Parts Used

Root (rhizome)

Typical Preparations

Ethanolic (alcohol) or lipophilic (oil) extractions; Not recommended for use in teas or infusions.

Summary

Besides its medicinal use, according to A Modern Herbal by Mrs.Grieve, butterbur has also been used in divination. An unmarried woman could see her future husband if she took the seeds and went to a "lonesome place". A half hour before sunrise on a Friday, she had to scatter the seeds while repeating, "I sow, I sow! Then, my own dear, come here, come here, and mow and mow!" If there was a husband in her future, she would see a vision of him with a scythe mowing grass.

Precautions

Butterbur contains Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids and its internal use is not recommended. There have been some reports of liver damage associated with the use of butterbur root extract. It should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. Not recommended for long term use.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.