Butterbur
Butterbur (Kuan Dong)
Botanical Name: Petasites hybridus, P. Japonicus
Butterbur is an herb used in both Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). With a long history of several applications, including curing the plague, it is now commonly used to treat migraines and seasonal allergy symptoms, such as coughs, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Butterbur and the Question of PA’s…
Below is an overview of butterbur, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of butterbur.
How to take FULL advantage of Butterbur's healing powers...
JOIN ME in an exploration of the healing herb, Butterbur (Kuan Dong). Dive deep into the benefits and applications of Butterbur, from Eastern and Western perspectives, and so much more!
Western
Also Known As: Sweet Coltsfoot, Blatterdock, Butter-dock, Butterfly Dock, Umbrella Plant, Langwort, Flapperdock, Bog Rhubarb
Organs/Systems: Respiratory, Digestive, Urinary, Cardiovascular
Key Actions: Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic, Cardiotonic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Analgesic
Medicinal Uses: Pain, stomach aches, chills, anxiety, fever, insomnia, whooping cough, migraines, stomach ulcers, hay fever, urinary tract spasm, poor appetite, asthma, chronic bronchitis, irritable bladder, wounds.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Kuan Dong
Also Known As: Japanese Butterbur, Yellow Bridge
Meridians: Liver, Bladder, Kidney, Uterus
Key Actions: Moves Qi, Eliminates Toxins, Expels Wind
Medicinal Uses: Coughs, allergic symptoms, headaches, migraines, stomach upsets, detoxification, poor appetite, chronic bronchitis, worms.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Common butterbur (P. hybridus) is a robust perennial that can grow to be 3 feet in height and spread to up to 5 feet. It has tiny flowers that cluster at the top of each flower stalk with greenish sepals. The leaves are large and heart-shaped, some measuring 13 inches wide. They are cream and green in color. They begin to flower in early February emerging 3 to 8 weeks prior to the very large leaves. Butterbur is a member of the daisy family.
Butterbur grows in Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. It likes wet marshlands, damp forest soils, and riverbanks. Japanese butterbur (P. japonicus), is native to China, Korea, and Japan. This variety has now been introduced to North America.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Stem, Root, Bulb, Rhizome
Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Pungent, Warming
Caution: Considered safe, though it should not be eaten raw as like comfrey and coltsfoot, butterbur contains PA alkaloids (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) that can seriously harm the liver. Be sure to also use commercial preparations that are PA-free and therefore safe.
Key Constituents: Petasin, Isopetasin, Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), Sesquiterpenes, Oxopetasin
History/Folklore: Butterbur has been used for thousands of years. The roots are considered better for treating headaches and migraines. The leaves are better for treating seasonal allergy symptoms caused by hay fever, mold, dust, and animal dander.
In the Middle Ages, butterbur was used to fight the plague. It was dried as a powder and mixed with wine to prevent plague and other virulent diseases. Butterbur roots were also used as a heart stimulant and to treat worms. Over time it has been shown to be a useful remedy for, among other things, coughs, asthma, stomach upsets, and migraines. It is also used externally to treat wounds.
The botanical name, “Petasites” derives from the Greek name for the felt hats worn by shepherds and refers to the size of the leaves.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus, P. Japonicus) is related to coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara). As butterbur is sometimes called coltsfoot, be sure to check the botanical name of the plant you are using. They are not the same.
Native Americans used the herb as a remedy to heal wounds, ease back pain, and relieve headaches..
Butterbur extract can be made from the leaves, roots, or bulbs. The stalks of Japanese butterbur (P. japonicus) are edible and often called “Fuki.”
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are compounds that are known to cause serious harm to the liver. Some butterbur preparations can contain these harmful compounds. Be sure to use products that are certified and labeled “PA-free.” The young leaves of the plant contain higher levels of PAs than older leaves
Butterbur is considered to be as effective or preferred to the common allergy drugs Zyrtec and Allegra which contain antihistamines and can cause dizziness.
The active ingredients, petasin and isopetasin, found in butterbur help to relieve the pain and frequency of headaches. Petasins are chemotypes that are known for their anti-inflammatory effects. They help relax blood vessels in the brain that can become over-excited during a migraine.
Butterbur seeds have historically been used in love potions and divination. They were to be sowed by a young unmarried woman a half an hour before sunrise on a Friday morning, in a lonesome place. As she did this she would see her future husband mowing a scythe not far away from her.
Want Butterbur (Kuan Dong)?
Here are some options…
“PA-free”
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are compounds that are known to cause serious harm to the liver. Some butterbur preparations can contain these harmful compounds. Be sure to use products that are certified and labeled “PA-free.”
Butter Wrap
The common name, butterbur, is believed to have derived from the leaves that were once used to wrap butter in to help keep it fresh and cool during the summer months.
Petadolex
Petadolex is a proprietary butterbur extract made in Germany by the company, Weber & Weber. It is popularly used to treat migraines.
How to use Butterbur (Kuan Dong) and take FULL advantage of it's healing powers!
Find out how to safely use this powerful herb and get specific recipes you can make use of immediately. Dive deep into Eastern and Western perspectives about HOW and WHY this herb works. Includes uses, benefits, essential oils, gardening tips, and much, much more.
Disclosure: If you purchase from some links on this web page, we may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, we only ever mention products we would recommend whether we were being compensated or not. Thank you so much for your support of White Rabbit Institute of Healing!
