Petasites hybridus

Petasites hybridus
Family:Petasites hybridus; Analgesic; Antispasmodic; Cardiotonic; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Homeopathy.
Common name:Butterbur
Butterbur is widely considered to be an effective cough remedy and recent experiments have shown it to have remarkable antispasmodic and pain-relieving properties. It acts specifically on the bile ducts stomach and duodenum. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids in isolation these are toxic to the liver. The root and the leaves are analgesic antispasmodic cardiotonic diaphoretic and diuretic. A decoction is taken as a remedy for various respiratory problems such as asthma colds bronchitis and whooping cough and also other complaints such as fevers and urinary complaints. It is also very effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints and biliary dyskinesia. Externally it can be used as a poultice to speed the healing of wounds and skin eruptions. The leaves are harvested in early summer the root in late summer to autumn. Both can be dried for later use. Because the plant contains potentially toxic alkaloids its internal use cannot be recommended. A homeopathic remedy is made from the roots. It is used in the treatment of severe and obstinate neuralgia.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 04:58 []