Butterbur (Petasites officinalis)

ENGLISH NAME: Butterbur

LATIN NAME: Petasites
officinalis (syn. Petasites hybridus)

LOCAL NAMES:

Czechia: Devětsil
lékařský

Turkey: Kargaotu / Dere
nanesi *(literally “stream mint”)

Bulgaria: Чобанка, Лопуш, Репух

Georgia: ცხრა ძალა (Tskhra dzala) (“nine
powers,” traditional reference)

COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia

WHERE TO FIND IT:

Region: Mountain valleys
and riverbanks

Elevation: 400–1,800 meters

Terrain: Foothill and
mountain zones, wet forests, stream banks, and moist meadows

DESCRIPTION:
Butterbur is a robust perennial herb recognized by its large, heart-shaped
leaves that can reach up to 70 cm in diameter. It blooms in early spring with
dense clusters of pink to purple flowers that appear before the leaves. The
name Petasites refers to the large leaf resembling a broad-brimmed hat
(Greek “petasos”).

USABLE PARTS: Rhizomes

MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for migraines, seasonal allergies, and inflammation. Modern
studies suggest Butterbur extract (free from toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids) may
reduce the frequency of migraines and help with hay fever symptoms.

UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Raw Butterbur contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which can cause
liver damage. Always use only PA-free, processed extracts under professional
guidance.

COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Sometimes used alongside feverfew or magnesium for migraine prevention, or with
nettle for allergy relief.

PREPARATION:
Rhizomes are cleaned, dried, and used in tinctures or ground into powder for capsules.
Only professionally processed, PA-free preparations should be consumed
internally.

HARVEST TIME:
Late autumn or early spring, before the plant has fully leafed out.

HARVEST METHOD:
Carefully dig up rhizomes, clean thoroughly, and dry them in slices. Discard
any damaged or decaying parts.

CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Store fully dried rhizomes in sealed containers in a cool, dry place. Label
clearly for medicinal or processing use only.