Question

I've heard from a fellow migraine-sufferer that an herb, Butterbur, can prevent migraines. Is this really so? I've always been a bit suspicious of herbs and "alternative" medicine.

Answer

Butterbur is a plant known as Petasitis hybridus. An extract of its root is recommended as a possible treatment for hay fever. Recently a study conducted in the USA and Germany has been reported in which an extract of butterbur, Petadolex®, was found to be effective in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks (see links below).
 

Migraneurs (migraine-sufferers) were given 50 or 75 mg, twice daily, of the extract. Over 4 months the frequency of attacks was reduced by 45% with 75 mg, by 32% in the 50 mg group, and by 28% with placebo (sugar pills). The chief side effect reported was stomach upset.
 

This degree of effectiveness is similar to that reported for other treatments. The investigators of the study point out, importantly, that one should be sure to only use butterbar preparations that are pure i.e. they have had all toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids removed.

Related Links

The Scientist: Butterbur Treats Hay Fever
MedicineNet.com: Butterbur a Bust for Hay Fever
WebMD: Herbal Extract May Help Prevent Migraines