Organic butterbur root is a thick creeping rhizome of the plant called Petasites hybridus in Latin. Found in shady and marshy places, its leaves are distinctive for their large rhubarb-like size, reminding the Greeks of a head covering. The dried rhizome (root) in organic butterbur root retains the resin of its bitter juice.
Both the organic butterbur root and leaves have been considered to be analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cardio-tonic and diuretic.
Organic butterbur root has been used for treating chest and bronchial diseases and general coughs. The famous seventeenth century English herb cataloguer Nicholas Culpeper recommended a decoction of the butterbur root in wine as “singularly good for those that wheeze much or are short winded.” He called the organic butterbur root a “strengthener of the heart and cheerer of the vital spirits.” Butterbur root was one of the few herbs recommended against the plague because it provoked sweat and killed ulcers.
The organic butterbur herb is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women or people with kidney and liver disease. The herb contains an alkaloid that may be toxic to the liver in high doses.
The healing properties of the butterbur root have been documented for centuries. Organic butterbur root remains a valuable bulk item for modern apothecaries. It should be used with appropriate care.
Starwest Botanicals directly sources superior quality bulk organic butterbur root. The company oversees every aspect of processing from its first inspection to bring you the freshest and purest organic botanical.
