Feverfew Herb Profile
Also known as- Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Bachelor's Buttons, Featherfew, Featherfoil and Flirtwort.
Introduction
The daisy-like feverfew was once believed to have been used to save the life of someone who had fallen from the Parthenon, the temp of the goddess Athena on the Acropolis in Athens, hence its scientific name parthenium. Feverfew was used to treat menstrual cramps in young women in Greek medicine, and also for colic, inflammation fever, insect bites, psoriasis, toothache, vertigo and arthritis in the Middle Ages. Currently feverfew is among the world's bestselling herbs, used primary to treat headache.
Constituents
Parthenolides and unknown therapeutic substances.
Parts Used
Leaf, flower and occasionally the stem.
Typical Preparations
The fresh leaves of the plants can be chewed to relive pain, but the herb is most often used in capsule or tincture form.
Summary
According to traditional use, t aking feverfew can help prevent migraine headaches, but the effects are usually not noticed for several weeks and vary among individual migraine sufferers. The herb has shown to be helpful for migraine sufferers who also have allergies or asthma.
Feverfew has gained a good reputation as a medicinal herb and extensive research since 1970 has proved it to be of special benefit in the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism.
The leaves and flowering heads are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aperient, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, sedative, stimulant, stings, stomachic, vasodilator and vermifuge. The plant is gathered as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use. Use with caution, the fresh leaves can cause dermatitis and mouth ulcers if consumed.
A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate menses.
Precautions
Avoid feverfew if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, chamomile, chrysanthemums, or yarrow.
Not to be used while pregnant.
