Feverfew is a member of the daisy family that you might mistake for chamomile on sight. Early European herbalists used it to reduce fevers, but these days you'll see it touted as a treatment that can help prevent migraine headaches. You may also see it advertised as an aid for relieving arthritis, menstrual pain, dermatitis or asthma, according to the Drugs website. The benefits feverfew provides may be connected to its effect on serotonin in your body, but scientific evidence to support this theory is mixed.
Function
Feverfew may affect serotonin levels in your body, which in turn might provide the link between the herb and its ability to alleviate arthritis and migraines. In fact, feverfew may combat migraines in a manner that is similar to methysergide maleate, a prescription medication known as a serotonin antagonist, according to the Drugs website. In Canada, the Health Protection Branch (HPB) allows a British feverfew product to claim that it is effective for preventing migraines, granting a Drug Identification Number to the product for this purpose. The HPB advises taking 125mg daily of dried feverfew leaf for migraine prevention.
Identification
Parthenolide is the substance in feverfew that may be responsible for combating migraines and altering serotonin levels, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian, nationally known medical writer and author of "Mind Boosters." This substance also is being studied for anti-inflammatory properties, a possible role in fighting leukemia and anti-tumor properties.
Potential
If you suffer tension headaches, feverfew might provide relief for these as well. Old theories pinpointed tight neck and back muscles as the culprit in tension headaches. However, newer theories suggest they are due to changes in brain chemicals including serotonin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This makes the cause similar to that of a migraine. Scientists have not studied this herb specifically, however, to see if it can treat or prevent tension headaches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Considerations
Well-designed studies do back the claim that feverfew can prevent migraines, according to the UMMC. However, not all studies agree that the way the herb affects serotonin is responsible for the benefit. Some studies even contradict this finding, according to a review by E. Ernst and M.H. Pittler in the journal "Public Health and Nutrition."
Theories/Speculation
A "divorce" from the theory on serotonin's role in preventing migraines might result in studies that focus on other components in the feverfew leaf, according to Ernst and Pittler. Their review points to a Dutch study that states serotonin levels play a secondary role in preventing migraines. The Dutch results point to chrysanthemyl acetate, the essential oil constituent of feverfew, as an important component instead. This component may have pain-reducing properties. Other studies speculate that feverfew's high concentration of melatonin may be the factor that is effective against migraines.
Warning
If you decide to take feverfew to combat migraines or other headaches, do so under the care of a health care provider to avoid unwanted side effects. For example, feverfew may increase your risk of bleeding, thus it should not be taken along with blood thinners, according to the UMMC.
