Feverfew is a common perennial plant that grows wild in Europe, South America and North America, according to Medicinal Herb Info. The dried flowers and leaves of feverfew have been used to make medicinal treatments as part of traditional folk remedies for many years. Before using feverfew, consult with your health care provider for specific instructions.
Rosacea Explained
People who live with rosacea are often frustrated by the recurring nature of the condition, says the Mayo Clinic. Rosacea sufferers experience red, inflamed patches of facial skin that often have small pus-filled bumps. It's a chronic condition and may get worse over time. Rosacea is often mistaken for such conditions as acne or eczema, but it won't respond to the treatments for them. These inflamed patches may get better for a while, then flare up again with no warning. Your health care provider may be able to give you treatments that can help the condition.
Feverfew Uses
Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb often used to treat menstrual problems, arthritis, skin conditions, stomachaches, migraines and asthma, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) website adds that feverfew has long been used as a treatment for psoriasis as well. But now, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, feverfew may be useful as a treatment for rosacea.
Research
Research published on the PubMed.gov describes clinical tests made over the past 20 years on a number of natural and herbal ingredients in skin care products. The research seems to support the use of feverfew and other medicinal herbs for treating rosacea. The site says that even though the results of the research are promising, more research will be done to determine how these herbal ingredients are helpful to rosacea.
Forms Used
Besides being used as an ingredient in various skin lotions, ointments and creams, the UMMC says that feverfew is also available fresh, freeze-dried or dried in tablet, capsule or liquid extracts. The extracts or powdered forms of feverfew could be added to facial creams as a treatment for rosacea.
Considerations
The MSKCC warns that since feverfew belongs to the same plant family as daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds and ragweed, people with known allergies to those plants should use feverfew with caution. If you notice any signs of allergic reaction while using feverfew, stop its use and contact your health care provider.
