Some people take feverfew to reduce the severity and frequency of their migraines. Would they benefit from taking melatonin instead? Feverfew contains melatonin, which has been shown to contribute to chronic headaches when levels in the body are too low. However, researchers disagree as to whether melatonin plays a role in helping feverfew decrease migraines. If you are considering taking either supplement, consult with your doctor for more information.
What is Feverfew?
Feverfew is an herb that some people use to treat fever, arthritis, irregular menstruation, allergies, nausea, and other symptoms. According to MedlinePlus, studies have shown that feverfew is most effective at reducing migraine attacks and reducing the pain, nausea, and light sensitivity that accompanies a migraine. There is currently insufficient evidence to prove feverfew is effective for other uses. Most people ingest feverfew by swallowing pills; some may also chew feverfew leaves, but this can cause mouth sores.
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by your body that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, which makes you feel sleepy. In contrast, light decreases melatonin and causes your body to wake up. Melatonin is available as a supplement in pill form and is commonly used for insomnia, jet lag, and delayed sleep cycles. According to MedlinePlus, melatonin may also be helpful in reducing cluster headaches, decreasing anxiety, helping people quit smoking, and improving the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments.
The Relationship between Feverfew and Melatonin
A 1997 study published in "The Lancet" found that feverfew and some other edible plants naturally contain melatonin, which might account for some of their therapeutic properties. Fresh green leaves of feverfew contain 2.45 mcg of melatonin per gram, and freeze-dried greenleaf contains 2.19 mcg, according to The 5-Minute Herb and Dietary Supplement Consult.
Low levels of melatonin in the body correlate with chronic migraine headaches. It is possible that feverfew's effect on the frequency and strength of migraines might be at least partly associated with the melatonin it naturally produces, according to the 1997 study. However, not everyone agrees with this conclusion. Dr. James Duke, an ethnobotanist, claims that to provide the equivalent to an effective 3 mg dose of melatonin, pounds of herbal plant material would be necessary.
Feverfew Precautions
According to MedlinePlus, feverfew is likely safe when used for a short period, up to four months. Safety beyond four months has not been studied. Side effects of feverfew can include nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Some people have also reported weight gain, nervousness, and fatigue. If you are pregnant, avoid taking feverfew. Feverfew can also cause an allergic reaction in people who are already allergic to plants such as ragweed or daisies. In addition, because feverfew may slow blood clotting, it is best to stop taking it two weeks before any surgery.
Melatonin Precautions
Melatonin is safe when taken in the short-term by mouth or when applied to the skin, according to MedlinePlus. Side effects can include headaches, short-term depression, daytime fatigue, and irritability. Because melatonin causes sleepiness, do not take this medicine with sedatives or if you are driving or operating machinery. Use caution when taking melatonin with birth control pills, which may already increase melatonin in your body. Do not take melatonin if you are pregnant.
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