Butterbur is most known for its use in migraine prevention, and several expert societies recommended it in the past but have since retracted their recommendation due to safety concerns.[1] Butterbur has also been used for allergic rhinitis and asthma.[1] For intermittent allergic rhinitis, taking 50 mg of butterbur extract containing 8 mg of petasins 2–3 times daily for 2 weeks reduced symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and itching compared to a placebo.[2] Small studies have suggested that it may be comparable to cetirizine or fexofenadine,[3][4] but larger studies are needed to be sure. Studies of butterbur in asthma have been too short and too low-quality to draw conclusions.[5][6]
What are butterbur’s main benefits?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Butterbur is primarily known for preventing migraines, although its recommendation has been retracted due to safety concerns. It has also been used for allergic rhinitis and showed some effectiveness in reducing symptoms, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in asthma and compare it to other antihistamines.