Tanacetum parthenium, known as feverfew, has many purposes as a traditional health remedy. Classified in the sunflower family, this plant gained its common name from its historical use for reducing fever. Herbalists now primarily use feverfew to treat and prevent migraine headaches, arthritis and other painful conditions, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. It also may be helpful for certain menstrual problems. Consult a qualified health care provider before beginning any herbal therapy.
Parthenolide
Feverfew contains parthenolide, a chemical compound that prevents the constriction of blood vessels in the brain, a main cause of migraine headaches, explains the UMMC. People can take feverfew for several months to prevent migraines, according to Flora Health, and can stop an acute attack by taking a dose every 15 minutes for up to four doses. Parthenolide also helps relieve smooth muscle spasms, a factor in menstrual cramps.
Additional Effects
Because of feverfew's anti-inflammatory properties, some people use it for treating arthritis, stomach aches, asthma and painful menstruation. Parthenolide and chemical components known as sesquiterpene lactones may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects, explains the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Although feverfew is not considered an herb to regulate the menstrual cycle, it has been used traditionally as an emmenagogue, or a substance that induces menstruation, according to Georgetown University Medical Center.
Types
Feverfew is available in many forms, including fresh or dried leaf and flower, dried extract in capsules and tablets, liquid extract, tincture and juice. The UMMC recommends using feverfew extracts standardized to contain at least 0.2 percent parthenolide; feverfew extracts are available standardized up to 0.7 percent parthenolide. A standard dosage for treating inflammation is 60 to 120 drops twice per day of a liquid extract or tincture.
Pregnancy Considerations
Pregnant women should not take feverfew because it can cause birth defects, according to InteliHealth, and its menstrual-stimulating properties can cause labor and lead to miscarriage. The Georgetown University Medical Center notes that the word emmenagogue is sometimes a euphemism for abortifacient, so the herb is likely not safe to take during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Feverfew is associated with several side effects, according to the UMMC. Some users may experience abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, nausea or diarrhea. Chewing raw feverfew leaves can lead to mouth ulcers, mouth and tongue swelling, and loss of taste. Anyone allergic to chamomile, ragweed or yarrow is probably also allergic to feverfew and should not take this herbal remedy. People who take blood-thinning medications should be cautious about using feverfew because the herb may have anticoagulant effects. Anticoagulant medications can lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, as noted by MayoClinic.com. Feverfew can have additive effects on these medicines.
