Butterbur

This queer-looking plant I observed growing on the banks of the Ribble at Edisford. The river was swollen and I was carefully walking along its bank; I wished to inspect the bridge’s easten arches which I suspected were medieval. The day was windy and the path slippery; I was keen to not slide in and be washed up in Preston. Yet this unusual plant caught my eye, distracting me from my mission that I might examine it and take a photograph. It is Butterbur, also known as Blatterdock, Bog Rhubarb, Bogshorns and Butter-Dock. Colourful names for a distinctive plant. Like many, is it said to have healing qualities, such as assisting with that most vile condition, the migraine. A few online reviewers have heaped upon it praise:

Drastically decreased the frequency of my migraine headaches. I used to get them once a month for a 2-3 day period and now they are practically non existent

And another:

Using as a preventive at 300mg/day (butterburg (sic) 75mg with feverfew), so about 4 small capsules spread out over the day. It's truly been a miracle when RX meds have not, but it didn't work at the recommended 150mg for me.

Understand that I am not endorsing its use, either by nipping down to the Ribble with a carrier bag, nor by procuring bottles of it from some alternative medicine supplier. Indeed, this healing plant whose praises some readily sing, can also be harmful. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, chemicals which damage the liver and might be linked to cancers. Migraines are awful, but few would seriously exchange them for liver failure. It is ironic that a plant offers both malady and remedy; it both heals and harms.

The Cross of Jesus Christ and the wonderful gospel of salvation is the powerful means by which we sinners are ransomed, healed and restored. Yet it is also going to be the terrible prosecution by which many will be more severely judged and condemned. Simeon said of Jesus in Luke:

Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.

The Lord Jesus rescues many from the filth and the gloom. Yet those who refuse His redemption and more condemned than ever. In that same section, Mary proclaims that

His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

Yet she goes on to state:

He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

The gospel liberates some but further condemns others. It is good news now, but bad news for those who reject it. The meek Lamb that was slain, who opened not His mouth, is also the terrifying, roaring, Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is gracious Saviour today, but dreadful Judge tomorrow. He both heals and destroys.