Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is a shrub. Its large leaves were used to wrap butter during warm weather, giving it the name "butterbur".
Butterbur grows throughout Europe and parts of Asia. It's also now found in parts of the US. Butterbur contains chemicals that might relieve spasms and decrease swelling.
Butterbur is used for migraine, hay fever, asthma, and many other conditions, but there is no strong scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Some butterbur products may contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals can harm the liver and cause serious side effects. Do not use butterbur products unless they are certified as free of PAs.
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