3ac Health Tips

 

Butterbur

Science has finally caught up with butterbur, which has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for coughs, asthma, and skin wounds. A new study reports that the medicinal herb butterbur is an effective alternative to antihistamines in the treatment of hay fever. In addition to treating seasonal allergies, research has found it can help some people who suffer from migraine headaches, asthma, and bronchitis.
 
In this recent study, 330 sufferers of hayfever were given either 8 milligrams of butterbur extract three times a day, 180 milligrams each morning of the prescription drug Allegra (Telfast), or a placebo. At the end of the study, those receiving butterbur reported nearly the same reduction in allergy symptoms as those receiving Allegra. There was one difference: Those receiving the antihistamine Allegra complained of drowsiness. Those on butterbur? No complaints at all.
 
The two active ingredients in butterbur are petasin, which reduces spasms in smooth muscle and vascular walls, and isopetasin, which reduces inflammation. Together, the two compounds work to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies.