A migraine is a severe headache that usually affects one part of the head and is sometimes accompanied by vomiting and visual disturbances. A migraine can be triggered by either external or internal factors, for example, noise, bright lights or stress. If you suffer from migraines, you may find that taking over-the-counter analgesics and resting in a darkened room may help to alleviate your symptoms. However, if you have recurring migraines, your doctor may prescribe medicines that prevent or lessen their severity. Feverfew is an herb that is sometimes used to prevent or alleviate a migraine, but evidence to prove it works is limited. Get medical advice before using it as a migraine treatment.
Properties and Administration
Feverfew, also know as Tanacetum parthenium, is used to treat a variety of ailments including arthritis, menstrual pain, psoriasis and migraines. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, its therapeutic effects are likely conferred by a compound known as parthenolide, although it also contains other biologically-active compounds including flavonols. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 50mg to 80mg daily to prevent or treat a migraine. However, this dosage is only a guideline. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the right dose for you.
Efficacy
The results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study by H.C. Diener and colleagues published in the November 2005 issue of "Cephalalgia," shows that migraine frequency decreased from 4.76 by 1.9 attacks per month in the group of patients that took feverfew, compared to a reduction of 1.3 attacks per month in the placebo group. The authors conclude, therefore, that feverfew is an effective prophylactic treatment for migraines. However, an analysis of clinical data carried out by M.H. Pittler and E. Ernst published in the 2004 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," concludes that there is insufficient evidence from randomized, double-blind trials to suggest feverfew is more effective than placebo in preventing migraine.
Side Effects and Contraindications
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes, feverfew may cause minor gastrointestinal upset, and while withdrawing from feverfew treatment may cause side effects including muscle stiffness, anxiety and pain. It may also cause an allergic reaction in people that are sensitive to members of the daisy family of plants. Avoid this herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you are taking anticoagulants or medicines that are modified by the liver.
Other Herbal Options
The UMMC website cites several other herbs that may help to prevent or treat a migraine, including butterbur, ginkgo biloba and willow bark. Like feverfew, these herbs may cause side effects or interact with other drugs, for example, butterbur should not be used by people with liver problems. Ask your doctor for advice before using herbs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Feverfew
- PubMed: Efficacy and Safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. Feverfew CO2-Extract (MIG-99) in Migraine Prevention--a Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicentre, Placebo-Controlled Study
- PubMed: Feverfew for Preventing Migraine
- RxList: Feverfew
