Butterbur Side Effects

Butterbur is a plant used to treat several medical conditions. This alternative medicine has been around for centuries. Butterbur has anti-inflammatory effects, and also blocks histamine activities, so it is an alternative to medication for migraine headaches, asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Gastrointestinal Problems

• The biggest complaints from people taking butter involve gastrointestinal disturbances. Diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, constipation, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain are all possible GI side effects. Along with other GI complaints, burping is a big problem.

Fatigue

• Sleepiness and fatigue can occur when taking butterbur.

Headace and Skin Problems

• Headache, itchy eyes and itchy skin are possible side effects of taking butterbur.

Allergy Problems

• Although butterbur is used to help treat allergic rhinitis, it may actually trigger an allergy attack. Butterbur is related to ragweed, and individuals who have a ragweed allergy may have their allergy worsened after taking butterbur.

Liver Toxins

• Preparations of butterbur can contain liver-harming agents. If a person has a damaged liver, the toxins in butterbur treatments should be avoided. These same toxins can also cause cancer.

Heart Failure and Pregnancy

• Individuals with congestive heart failure should not take butterbur. In animal trials, the butterbur plant was noted for causing changes to heart rate. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take butterbur because the risks to the baby are not known.