Exciting findings from a recent study indicate extracts from the root of the plant butterbur can significantly reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. Of the 230 patients in the study, those taking 75 milligrams of butterbur twice daily were able to reduce their number of migraine attacks by 45 percent, compared with 28 percent in the placebo group. According to researchers, the results were comparable to those of leading prescription drugs. And, since many people don't like the idea of taking a prescription medication every day, butterbur could be an excellent alternative that now has a firm base of scientific support. Researchers cautioned that since raw butterbur root contains toxins that are removed during the manufacturing process, patients should only use commercially available products rather than "home-brewed" butterbur extract.