Butterbur may be an effective alternative to antihistamines Catching up Science has finally caught up with butterbur, which has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for coughs, asthma, and skin wounds. A new study reports that the medicinal herb butterbur is an effective alternative to antihistamines in the treatment of hay fever. In addition to treating seasonal allergies, research has found it can help some people who suffer from migraine headaches, asthma, and bronchitis.  In this recent study, 330 sufferers of hay fever were given either 8 milligrams of butterbur extract three times a day, 180 milligrams each morning of the prescription drug Allegra, or a placebo. At the end of the study, those receiving butterbur reported nearly the same reduction in allergy symptoms as those receiving Allegra. There was one difference: Those receiving the antihistamine Allegra complained of drowsiness. Those on butterbur? No complaints at all.  The two active ingredients in butterbur are petasin, which reduces spasms in smooth muscle and vascular walls, and isopetasin, which reduces inflammation. Together, the two compounds work to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies.  ****************************************************  Not a good choice  Q: A friend and I were recently talking about statin drugs (her husband is on them) and I mentioned that I remember reading that it wasn't good to take them. But I couldn't remember exactly why that is. Could you tell me again why they shouldn't be used?  JVW: Statins are a class of powerful patent medications that are used to lower cholesterol. Their widespread use is cause for concern since, like all patent medicine, they have some very significant side effects. Statin users have complained of nausea, headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, liver problems, muscle weakness, and pain. One statin, Baycol, was even recalled by its manufacturer after it was linked to more than 50 deaths. If that isn't reason enough to stay away from statins, here's another: These medications are very expensive, costing upwards of $100 per month.  For those looking for a less expensive and safer alternative to statins look no further than policosanol, a fraction of sugar cane. This natural alternative has been shown in clinical trials to offer even better results than prescription drugs at lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising the good HDL cholesterol. It may actually eliminate the need for cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs.  As always, it is wise to check with a physician that is knowledgeable about natural alternatives before trying any new product.  ****************************************************  What is...histamine?  In response to an allergen entering the body, mast cells in our immune systems release histamine, the substance that causes allergic symptoms. Histamine is a chemical that can trigger rashes, sneezing, itching, a runny nose, and watery eyes. It also causes blood vessels to widen and leak, nerves to itch, and mucus to build up in your lungs leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Within the digestive system, the release of histamine can trigger pain, cramps, and diarrhea.   Yours in good health, Amanda Ross Editorial Director Nutrition & Healing

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