|
|
| Allergies Home » Treatment of Allergies » Herbal Remedies to Allergy » Butterbur |
|
Butterbur |
|
Butterbur is often used as one of the herbal remedies to allergy. A number of research studies has put forward that the herbal supplement butterbur might relieve allergy symptoms. However there may be are possible side effects of using this herbal remedy. Butterbur is known by several other names such as Bog Rhubarb, Butterfly Dock, Butter-Dock, Blatterdock and Exwort. Butterbur is usually taken as tablets such as Petaforce, Petadolex and Tesalin. Butterbur is available as a tablet or even as part of a product containing a mixture of herbs. If you want to use Butterbur to find relief from allergy symptoms you first consult a doctor.
Description of Butterbur
Butterbur is a shrub-like plant with large leaves and is native to Europe. Extracts from the leaves, stem and roots of the butterbur plant have been used in the treatment of allergies and asthma as well as for migraine headaches, infections, stomach ulcers and coughs. During the 14th century, this plant was used for treating plague and fever. Butterbur has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to lessen leukotrienes and histamine, the chemicals causing allergic reactions.
Conversely, Butterbur plants also contain substances that may be toxic to the liver and can lead to cancer. A few butterbur products are processed in order to decrease the amount of such toxins.
Butterbur as Herbal Remedies to Allergy
A research study in 2004 published in “Clinical & Experimental Allergy” has shown Butterbur to be as effectual as the drug fexofenadine (Allegra) in the treatment of hay fever symptoms. There have been several other studies to show the effectiveness of Butterbur in relieving allergy symptoms. Besides this plant causes less drowsiness, which is a common effect of antihistamine medications.
Butterbur may look promising for those suffering from allergies though more research is required in order to be sure of its safety in the long term.
|
Medical studies still have to verify how safe it is to use butterbur as a remedy for allergy for longer than two weeks.
Risks Associated with Butterbur
There are several risk factors associated with the use of Butterbur in relieving allergy symptoms. Firstly for those allergic to ragweed, using butterbur can in fact worsen the allergy symptoms. Butterbur contains chemicals like pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver and kidneys and using it for long, may enhance one’s risk of liver and kidney damage. In addition Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in butterbur can also have cancer-causing properties.
For more updates on Herbal Remedies to Allergy, visit the related links provided on www.allergieshub.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
