Feverfew, also called bachelor's button, wild chamomile or featherfew, grows naturally throughout Europe, North America and Australia. Its name comes from the Latin word for "fever reducer," which is a clue to its medicinal properties. Used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, feverfew is now used to help relieve migraines.
Identification
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a short, bushy plant with small daisy-like flowers. Even though all parts of the plant found above ground can be used, most feverfew products are made from the leaves. The active ingredient in feverfew is parthenolide. It helps prevent constriction of blood vessels in the brain and inhibits inflammation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Uses
Even though it has a history of being used for headaches, fevers, stomach aches and to facilitate labor, today feverfew is used primarily to treat migraines and arthritis. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering, studies have shown that the frequency, pain and duration of migraine headaches are reduced when patients take feverfew. However, studies have not supported its effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Sources
Feverfew is available fresh or dried and in capsule, tablet or liquid form. Supplements should contain at least 0.2 percent parthenolide, according to UMMC.
Side Effects
No serious side effects have been reported, according to the National Institutes of Health. The most common minor side effects associated with feverfew are indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Some individuals may experience nervousness. Eating the raw leaves or drinking tea made from feverfew, can cause ulcers in the mouth and swelling of the lips, tongue and mouth. Allergic reactions are rare but have been reported. If you're allergic to ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or other members of the daisy family, you may also be allergic to feverfew.
Considerations
Feverfew should not be given to children under the age of two. Do not take feverfew if you're pregnant because it can stimulate the uterus to contract and cause miscarriage or premature delivery. If you're taking any medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before using feverfew to prevent interaction problems. This precaution is especially important if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners. Feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take feverfew for at least a week, do not suddenly stop using it. Once your body becomes accustomed to the supplement, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including headache, fatigue, joint pain, muscle stiffness and anxiety.
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