Feverfew is an herbal plant that resembles a daisy and is included in the sunflower family. It is also known as "bachelor's buttons" and is found growing wild throughout several continents. The plant may be used for medical purposes, but the leaves are most often harvested for this purpose. Please consult your physician before attempting any herbal remedies at home.
History
The use of feverfew for medical purposes has gone on through centuries. Quantum Health states that feverfew was described in Greek literature as a treatment for menstrual issues as well as inflammation. The herb became popular in the 1980s when surveys conducted by British researchers found that it seemed to help aid in the prevention of migraine headaches. Its popularity continues to gain ground as more uses of the herb are discovered.
Medical Uses
Feverfew has been used for menstrual cramping, pain throughout the body, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and, as its name suggests, fevers. However, the two most current uses for feverfew are for the treatment of arthritis and migraine headaches. Feverfew has been found to be effective in treating and preventing migraines. Long term use of feverfew seems to lower blood pressure, but controlled studies are needed to confirm if this is the case.
Studies
In 1985 a study was completed to check the efficacy of feverfew for migraine treatment. The study, published in the "British Medical Journal," interestingly noted that after using feverfew for six months, participating migraine patients saw their average blood pressure go down, from 134/86 to 125/82. This study seems to confirm that the use of feverfew lowers blood pressure. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, studies done on feverfew and arthritis did not show any symptom reduction.
Significance
If more studies support the theory that feverfew can lower blood pressure, it could be a beneficial alternative medicine. As it stands, migraine prevention is a step in the right direction for this herbal medicine. You should take care when thinking of adding this to any treatment plan, however, and a physician should review any plans you have.
Considerations
Feverfew is not known for serious side effects, but if you are taking any medications you should check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure that it is not contraindicated. Not enough studies have been done to approve the use of feverfew for high blood pressure, so do not use it in place of your current medication. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that some individuals may have an allergic reaction when taking feverfew, especially if they are allergic to ragweed or chamomile. Pregnant women should not take feverfew.
References
- "British Medical Journal"; Efficacy of Feverfew as Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine; E. S. Johnson, et al., Aug. 31, 1985
- Natural Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Feverfew
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Feverfew
- Quantum Health: Migraine Reief -Understanding the Ingredients
