Migraine sufferers may find a friend in the feverfew, a natural alternative to conventional medications. Derived from the Latin word "febrifugia," or "fever reducer," this perky, daisy-like plant has been used to control migraines in the United Kingdom since the 1980s, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Although exhaustive clinical studies have not been conducted on feverfew's effects, it shows great promise for use in migraines.
History
Native to the Europe's Balkan Mountains, feverfew can be found growing throughout Europe and North and South America. The plant also goes by the name fevefew, featherfew and bachelor's buttons, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). As a European folk remedy, feverfew was used for centuries for arthritis, fever and headaches, says the UMMC. It has also been used for conditions such as upset stomach, allergies, asthma, insect bites, infertility and problems related to menstruation and childbirth, states NCCAM. More recent uses for feverfew are for migraines and arthritis.
Properties
Feverfew's active compound is parthenolide, according to the UMMC, which is believed to reduce muscle spasms and keep blood vessels in the brain from constricting--a primary cause of migraines. Additionally, it has inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for people with arthritis. Feverfew may also inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Preparations
Although feverfew leaves are most commonly used in feverfew preparations, the entire plant can be used, says the UMMC. Feverfew may be used fresh, freeze-dried or dried. Preparations include capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. The UMMC points out that feverfew supplements used in clinical studies contained at least 0.2 percent parthenolide.
Efficacy
NCCAM indicates that existing research on feverfew suggests that it is beneficial for migraine prevention, but findings have been mixed. NCCAM is investigating methods to make sure that standardized preparations are used in future clinical studies. NCCAM goes on to state that one study suggests that feverfew did not relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in female patients who were unresponsive to conventional medication; however, it may be beneficial for milder symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Feverfew's effects on other medical conditions have not been researched thoroughly.
Side Effects
NCCAM states that side effects associated with feverfew are usually not serious. These may include tongue and lip irritation, compromised sense of taste and canker sores. Less commonly, nausea, bloating and other digestive problems may be noted. If you've used feverfew for a long time and then stop using it, you may experience symptoms such as joint pain, insomnia, nervousness and headaches. People who are sensitive to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed and chrysanthemums, may have an allergic reaction to feverfew.
Warning
Avoid feverfew if you're pregnant, as it may cause miscarriage or premature labor. Do not give feverfew to children under the age of 2, cautions the UMMC. Feverfew may interact with certain blood-thinning medications. Feverfew is promoted as an nontraditional way to prevent migraine headaches by the National Migraine Association; however, talk to your health care practitioner about alternative or complementary treatments you are using or plan to use.
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