Common side effects of butterbur include burping, stomach upset, and headache, as well as allergic reactions, including itchy eyes and wheezing. People with allergies to ragweed and daisies (common causes of seasonal allergic rhinitis) may have allergic cross-reactivity to butterbur. Butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are known to be toxic to the liver, and there have been rare reports of liver toxicity with butterbur use.[1][2]
What are butterbur’s main drawbacks?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Butterbur can cause common side effects such as burping, stomach upset, and headaches, as well as allergic reactions like itchy eyes and wheezing, particularly in people who are allergic to ragweed and daisies. Additionally, it contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been linked to rare cases of liver toxicity.