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What Is Butterbur Used For?
When used as an herbal supplement, butterbur is claimed to be useful for a variety of different purposes. Some of the potential uses for butterbur include:
- Preventing or treating migraines
- Treating the following conditions:
- Promoting wound healing (when applied to the skin)
- Stimulating the appetite
- Decreasing spasms (such as spasms in the bladder or digestive tract).
Some of these possible benefits are more legitimate than others, although much more research is necessary to confirm that butterbur is truly effective for any use.
(Click Butterbur Benefits for more information on what butterbur is used for. This article also discusses how this herbal supplement works and its safety in children.)

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD