Butterbur is a plant from the daisy family, native to mainland Europe, as far north as Scandinavia.
It also grows in Western Asia and has been successfully introduced to Northern America. Butterbur tea that is brewed from this plant is a natural remedy against migraine and asthma. It is efficient in dealing with menstrual cramps as well as kidney ailments.
In recent times, because butterbur has tonic and expectorant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, it has been used in the treatment of a number of chest and bronchial related illnesses.
Its anti-spasmodic properties are also effective on the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions because butterbur helps to strengthen digestion.
It is especially useful where indigestion results from obstructed bile flow. It acts specifically on the stomach, bile ducts, and duodenum.
Butterbur tea can be used for a number of health conditions, it is recommended to have a cup of tea every morning made from a half a spoon of linden flowers, half a spoon of butterbur and a bit of basil.
The plants mentioned are scalded in a cup of boiling water after which they are left to cool off for fifteen minutes after which they’re strained.
It’s recommended that the tea contain honey this can be used to treat stress and nervousness.
To make butterbur herbal tea, put 1 teaspoonful of the root in a cup of water and bring to the boil.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink the tea three times a day for better results and is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women and people with kidney and liver disease. Butterbur tea can be served hot or cold.
It can be enjoyed just as it is or amended. Raw honey is the recommended sweetener, as it also has several medicinal properties; however, butterbur tea can be sweetened with agave syrup, sugar, or sugar substitutes.
A physician should be consulted before consumption to check for any drug interactions or contraindications.
The root of the butterbur plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can cause serious problems.