The small white and yellow flowers of feverfew, or Tanacetum parthenium, resemble chamomile, a plant in the same family. The flowers and leaves of this southern European native plant have gained a reputation for treating a wide variety of conditions, although recent research supports only one of the traditional uses. If you take blood-thinners or have a bleeding disorder, consult a health care provider before taking this herb.
History
Feverfew has a long history of use as a pain reliever. In ancient Greece, feverfew was a remedy for inflammation and menstrual pain, while in Britian, herbalists used it for rheumatism and other pain, as well as fever. Other European herbalists treated headaches and arthritis with feverfew. Although the herb's name implies effectiveness against fever, this reputation came about from the mispronunciation of the name featherfoil, write medical experts from New York University. Herbalists eventually realized the herb doesn't reduce fevers.
Medical Conditions
Modern scientific research indicates feverfew may have some health benefits. Among the most promising uses for feverfew is in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches, note University of Maryland experts. Migraine sufferers taking feverfew for 16 weeks had significantly fewer migraines, found a study published in Cephalalgia in 2002. Feverfew may not treat a migraine in progress, though. Although feverfew appears to have anti-inflammatory properties and some herbalists recommend it for inflammatory disorders, no research supports its use in treating arthritis and rheumatism. The herb appears to be no more effective than a placebo.
Forms of Medicinal Feverfew
Feverfew is available as dried or fresh leaves for tea and tinctures, as well as in tablet, capsule and liquid form. You can also eat fresh or dried leaves. Parthenolide is the active compound in this herb. Choose supplements that contain at least .2 percent parthenolide, advise medical experts from the University of Michigan. If you use tablets and capsules, choose those that provide at least 250 mcg of parthenolide daily.
Dosage
To prevent migraines, take 100 to 300 mg feverfew capsules or tablets up to 4 times a day or 6.25 mg liquid carbon dioxide extracts three times daily, suggest University of Maryland experts. You may need to take this herb for up to six weeks before you notice any results. For inflammation-related pain, such as arthritis, take 60 to 120 drops of tincture or liquid extract twice daily. Feverfew tea is also a traditional treatment for arthritis, notes the website Botanical.com. To make tea, infuse 1 oz. feverfew flowers in 1 pint boiling hot water.
Precautions
Feverfew may cause abdominal pain, digestive upsets and nervousness, warn experts from the University of Maryland. Eating feverfew leaves may cause sores or swelling in the mouth. Allergies are rare, but avoid feverfew if you're allergic to ragweed, chamomile or related plants. The herb may also interfere with blood-thinning medications like Warafin and worsen bleeding disorders. Herbalists have used feverfew to induce abortion, so avoid this herb if you're pregnant. Feverfew may not be safe for nursing mothers or for children under two years of age.
Member Comments