Petasites hybridus
Botanical Nomenclature | Petasites hybridus |
Common Name | Butterbur |
Taxonomy- Family | Compositae or Asteraceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Petasites hybridus is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 20 to 60cm, with heart-shaped, wavy, plush, green leaves and pink flowers. The male and female flowers bloom on different plants (dioecious). The flowering lasts from March to May and the harvesting takes place in summer |
Region Found | Epirus (Gramos) |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, root |
Active Substances | Essential oil, mucus, glycosides, tannins. The root contains petasine (alkaloid), helianthine, inulin. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is administered as healing against wounds and pasmolytic as it promotes relaxation of smooth muscles and reduces muscle spasms and pain. It is recommended in the treatment of intestinal colic, asthma and dysmenorrhea. It has diuretic, sudorific, antipyretic and emmenagogue properties. Finally, several studies are conducted to prove the potential use of Petasites against migraines, due to its anti-inflammatory action especially on blood vessels, which is the most likely cause of migraines. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as healing, spasmolytic and diuretic in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried root in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day) and tincture (1-2mL, 2-3 times a day) Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1) http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/kukkakasvit/common-butterbur 2) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Petasites+hybridus 3)http://www.arkive.org/butterbur/petasites-hybridus/ 4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15623680 5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12808361 |