Has anyone tried Butter burr?

I did a quick search of the archives and didn't find any prior posts. Did an internet search and found multiple listings as a migrain treatment. One example:


Administration and Effectiveness
Butterbur extract is used daily as a preventative treatment to reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks. It is available commercially in capsule, powder, extract, tincture and soft gel form. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that butterbur is thought to have antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle and vascular walls. In addition, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Dosages range from 50 to 75 mgs twice daily. Clinical trials at this dosage reported a reduction in the number of attacks experienced per month according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Side-Effects and Adverse Reactions
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program, it is possible to experience gastrointestinal side-effects, nausea, headache, drowsiness and halitosis from butterbur therapy. There is also research that suggests a decrease in testosterone production while consuming butterbur.Considerations
Butterbur is a naturally occurring herb, but that does not mean that it is universally safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. When selecting butterbur look for a commercially prepared pyrrolizidine-free extract. Unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (UPAs) can cause liver and kidney damage. They also have been known to cause cancer. Research according to drug information online shows that butterbur should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women because of potential liver toxins with carcinogenic and mutagenic potential.

I hi lited the one section relating to a possible decrease in testosterone when taking Butter burr. There is a massive thread on this board titled "why don't we pay attention to this" in which a low testosterone level is thought to be a potential trigger for CH. Many who have gone on testosterone replacemement therapy have stopped or really reduced their CH.

Joe

my mother had a doctor appointment and somehow I came up in conversation. He told her that one of his patients was taking the butterburr for his cluster headaches. He gave her a coupon for 25.00 off butterburr online. Gonna try it and see what happens. Things are getting worse. went three days without one and this morning he woke me up at 8 am. not as bad as the last one. but he sure let me know he was here.

Gonna get that appointment at john hopkins. said they might be able to get me in soon. sent me all kinds of paperwork to fill out.

Let us know if you have any success with it. Some of our best treatments get found by accident! Wishing you some luck and speed with getting into Hopkins.

Joe

Thanks Joe. sure will let you know

started the butterburr yesterday. so far only thing that has happened is a weird tingling feeling in my feet. will see if it has any effect on the headaches. said it would take a few weeks to take effect.

Crossing my fingers for ya! ;)

Joe

Thanks Joe!!!!