The word “Feverfew” is derived from the Latin word febrifuge which means “fever reducer”. The scientific name for feverfew is Tanacetum parthenium which is a traditional medicinal herb, the leaves are used to make medicine and is also occasionally grown for making an ornament. The feverfew has many uses, but until now, it seems to be effective only for preventing migraine headaches in some people.
Feverfew plant is a short bushy plant with flowers that closely resemble daises and is an adherent of the sunflower family. This plant grows up to around 46 cm (18 inches) high with citrus-scented leaves. The feverfew plant leaves are differently pinnatifid (feather-like appearance, the leaflets growing opposite to each other in pairs on either side of the stem) with noticeable flowers up to 20mm across. The outer florets are white in color and the inner florets are yellow in color.
It is commonly known by other names such as midsummer daisy, bachelor’s button, featherfoil and feather few, febrifuge plant and wild chamomile. Feverfew plant is native to the Balkan mountains of Eastern Europe and is found growing in many other European areas, also in both North America and South America. It can be found along roadsides and along the borders of wooded areas.
The flowers of the plant will bloom in mid to late summer in flat-topped clusters at the end of stems, bees seem to avoid feverfew, frightened by its strong aroma.
Feverfew herb uses:
Feverfew has been used as an herbal treatment to reduce fever and to prevent and treat headaches, digestive problems, arthritis and other allergy symptoms. Some research shows that with frequent use and taking feverfew by mouth can reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine headaches and reduce pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. It is more effective when used as a preventive measure for people with more frequent migraine attacks.
Feverfew herb acts to inhibit serotonin and histamine substances that dilate blood vessels and helps to prevent the spasms in blood vessels that trigger migraine headaches. It may relieve mild depression, stimulate restful sleep, and ease the nerve pain, swelling of arthritis and relieving hay fever, asthma, and other allergy symptoms.
Other Medical uses of Feverfew :
Feverfew herb has the chemical named parthenolide present in it, this active chemical compound is very beneficial in helping the muscular relaxation resulting in the reduction of spasms. It is also helpful in the treatment of osteo arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Regular use of this herb is recommended as a treatment of migraine headaches.
The parthenolide content of commercially available feverfew supplements varies substantially. In a study, it is found that the actual parthenolide content of these supplements bore little resemblance to the content claimed on the product label. The Canadian government allows manufacturers of a certain feverfew formulation containing 0.2% of parthenolide to claim that their product can be used to prevent migraines.
The feverfew herb has also gained credit for treating dizziness, tinnitus, and a painful menstruation and can be helpful to those who are suffering from depression, asthma, nausea and vomiting. But, there are also studies which clinched that feverfew doesn’t work for migraines.
Also Read about : Silent Migraines
Preparation and available forms and dosage of feverfew :
The feverfew plant is harvested and just as the plant comes into flower and before the blossoms are fully open then the leaves are removed from the stems and these leaves are dried on paper lined trays in a light, nonchalant room keeping away from direct sunlight.
When the leaves are dried then the dried herb should be stored in clearly labeled, tightly sealed, dark glass containers. Feverfew is available fresh, freeze-dried capsules, tablets, tea infusion, tincture, and syrup.
- Freeze dried capsules
Freeze dried capsules is the preferred form and generally recommended because the teas and fresh leaves have a bitter taste and may irritate the mouth. The scientific research is also conducted so far and has been completed using of freeze-dried capsules. The feverfew capsules can be bought from chemists and health stores. When buying these capsules one should check the dosage as these can differ widely. A daily dose of 50-100mg is usually enough.
- Prepared tablets
Studies revealed that some commercially prepared tablets did not contain a sufficient quantity of the herb and were medicinally effective. The feverfew herb may be more medicinally effective when gathered fresh. The tablets can be bought from chemists and health stores.
- Syrup
Feverfew syrup can be prepared by taking some fresh leaves and then add it to honey or to a simple sugar syrup. The honey will act as a preservative and cover the bitter taste of the herb.
- Teas
Feverfew leaves can be made into a tea, two to three teaspoons of fresh, chopped leaves that are placed in a warmed container and to that add one cup of fresh, non-chlorine boiled water, then the mixture is covered. For about 15 minutes the tea is brewed, then strained.
The prepared tea will store for about two days in the refrigerator in an air tight container. The dosage of feverfew tea can be enjoyed a cup three times a day.
- Tincture
Feverfew is mainly used for migraine prevention. Combine four ounces of finely cut fresh or powdered dry herb with one pint of brandy, gin, or vodka in a glass container. This mixture should be kept away from light for about two weeks, shaking several times every day. Strain and store in air tight dark glass bottle. A standard dose is 30 drops of the tincture three times a day.
Precautions of feverfew :
- Feverfew should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause contractions and sometimes miscarriage also.
- Feverfew should not be used by breast-feeding women
- Children under two years of age should not be given feverfew
- Persons who are on prescribed blood –thinning drugs should not consume feverfew herb as it might impede with the blood clotting
- Feverfew is similar to aspirin and other NSAIDs, it is perhaps the best option of not taking both at the same time.
- Feverfew plant may cause an allergic reaction and if any person is allergic or sensitive to the Asteraceae or Compositae plant family which includes marigolds, daisies, chrysanthemums, ragweed and many others, feverfew belongs to this plant family. If anyone has allergies then they have to make sure to check with their doctor before taking it.
- Anybody having a surgery and if they are taking feverfew herb then it is suggested to stop taking the herb at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery as it might cause bleeding during and after surgery. Feverfew might slow blood clotting.
Side effects of feverfew :
- In some persons chewing the fresh leaves may irritate the mouth causing them mouth ulcers, numbness and cause minor skin irritations
- If a person decides to stop taking feverfew then it is suggested to decrease the amount a person takes, gradually to level it out slowly.
- Some people who have suddenly stopped taking the herb, after some years have experienced a return of their migraines along with other symptoms like nausea, insomnia, and anxiety. This is known as “feverfew rebound syndrome”
- In some people there are some reported side effects that include nervousness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, and joint stiffness, tiredness, menstrual changes, rash, upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting.
Feverfew has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. Feverfew is a safe herb of verified medicinal value. No side effects are reported when taken in designated therapeutic doses. All the possible risks and advantages of the feverfew herb may not be known. Moreover, there are no structured manufacturing standards inhabitation for these compounds.
Herbal and health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination because there have been cases where these supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or with other drugs. The safety use of feverfew beyond four months has not been studied. It is advisable to consult your own doctor or herbalist before starting any herbal treatment.
Read review about Feverfew: WebMD