Feverfew is an herbal supplement that may help treat conditions such as migraine headaches and rheumatoid arthritis. The leaves from the plant may also help with fevers, tooth pain and irregular menstrual periods. The US Food and Drug Administration has not determined the efficacy or safety of taking feverfew for treating any medical conditions and does not regulate the manufacturing of the supplement. Individuals taking feverfew need to consult a physician before beginning feverfew.
Pregnancy Warning
Taking feverfew while pregnant may cause the uterus to contract and prompt early labor or a miscarriage, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The herbal supplement may cause harm to an unborn child. Women who breastfeed should avoid using feverfew because the safety for the infant is not known.
Allergies to Related Plants
Feverfew is in the same plant family as many other plants such as ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums and marigolds. An allergy to these plants may cause an allergic reaction for anyone taking feverfew. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the airway, difficult breathing, an increased heart rate and hives.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of feverfew include indigestion, gas in the intestines, a loss of taste and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Additional possible side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and a dry or sore tongue. After discontinuing feverfew, some individuals may experience symptoms such as insomnia, joint pain, headaches, nervousness and tiredness, according to Drugs.com. The longer a person takes feverfew, the higher the risk of experiencing these side effects. Chewing feverfew rather than swallowing a pill form of the supplement may cause sores in the mouth and swelling of the tongue and lips.
Bleeding Problems
Feverfew may cause blood to clot slower than normal. Individuals with a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, should not take feverfew. Taking feverfew before surgery may cause an increased risk of bleeding during or following the operation. It is important to discontinue taking feverfew at least two weeks before surgery to prevent possible bleeding complications, according to MedlinePlus. Additional herbs, such as clove, ginger turmeric and ginko, may increase the risk of bleeding. Taking these supplements in addition to feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Reactions with Other Medications
Feverfew may cause complications with medications, such as ondansetron, propranolol and haloperidol, that change and breakdown in the liver, according to RxList.com. Feverfew may cause increased side effects and a change in how fast the liver breaks down the medication.
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