Folk Medicine

Latin name: Petasitidis folium3

Usable parts: Leaves and root3

Harvest period: Leaves from April to May, and the root in autumn.3

Constituents: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, flavonoids, petasin, mucilage, tannins, saponins, essential oils3

Action: Analgesic, blood cleansing, antispasmodic3

Application: As a medicinal plant, the butterbur was known since ancient times. However, due to its mild toxins, it fell out of favour. In the contemporary era, however, butterbur has enjoyed a comeback. Due to its calming and antispasmodic action, it is used nowadays as an ingredient in many medicines. Its leaves are dried and made into a herbal tea, which can provide relief from nerve-related stomach and liver ailments. Due to its toxicity, it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Risk of misidentification: Tussilago farfara, Adenostyles

Tips for Domestic Cultivation

Butterbur loves humus-rich, moist soil and is easily propagated by planting parts of its root.

Home Use / Recipe Idea

Due to the risk posed by some of its constituents, it is preferable to use preparations purchased from the pharmacy.

Its large leaves are used to soothe sunburnt skin.


3 “Die Kräuter in meinem Garten” by Siegrid Hirsch & Felix Grünberger; 22nd Edition; Freya Verlag Gmbh
4 “Schwester Bernardines große Naturapotheke”; 1983 Artia Prague; All rights of the German edition held by Mosaik Verlag GmbH