Petasines

Why You Need It

• Migraine Relief: Potentially reduces the frequency and severity of headaches.
• Respiratory Support: Acts as a bronchodilator, helping to open airways for easier breathing.
• Allergy Defense: May inhibit histamine release, reducing sneezing and congestion.

Deep Dive

Petasines work by interfering with a chemical messenger called leukotriene. When your body detects an allergen or stress, it releases leukotrienes, which cause inflammation and muscle contraction (tightening your airways or blood vessels). Petasines essentially 'turn down the volume' on this response.

For migraines, this is crucial. Many scientists believe that the constriction and inflammation of blood vessels in the brain trigger the pain; by helping to relax these vessels, Petasines can prevent the headache before it starts. For asthma and allergies, this relaxation of the bronchial muscles allows for deeper, easier breaths.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike Vitamin C, Petasines are not found in common fruits or vegetables. They are specific to a few plants in the Asteraceae family. The primary source is Butterbur.

Important Note: Raw Butterbur contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are toxic to the liver. You should never eat the raw plant. Supplements are processed to remove these toxins.

Supplementation

Because natural food sources are impractical and potentially unsafe in their raw form, Petasines are almost exclusively taken as a supplement.

• Dosage: Clinical studies often use 50mg to 75mg of standardized extract taken twice daily (Total 100-150mg).
• Who should take it: Individuals suffering from chronic migraines who do not respond well to standard medication, or those with mild asthma (under doctor supervision).