Feverfew, a traditional folk remedy native to Eastern Europe, can now be found widespread throughout Europe, Australia and North America. A member of the sunflower family, feverfew derives its name from the Latin febrifugia, or "fever reducer." Traditional uses of feverfew include remedying fevers, headaches and arthritis. Consult your health-care provider before beginning use of feverfew.
Migraines
Feverfew may be effective in preventing migraine headaches. Parthenolides found in feverfew are believed to help prevent migraines by relieving smooth muscle spasms. Previous research suggests that feverfew supplements can reduce both the frequency and pain of migraine headaches, and can reduce symptoms such as sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting when migraines do occur. According to Medline Plus, feverfew's effectiveness in treating migraine headaches may be affected by the type of feverfew supplement you use, while the University of Maryland Medical Center reports dried leaf capsules of feverfew may reduce incidences of migraines for long-term sufferers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Folklore surrounding feverfew as a remedy suggested its potential effectiveness for treating rheumatoid arthritis. A double-blind study conducted in the late 1980s has been the only research conducted on feverfew's use for this purpose. This study concluded that feverfew, when compared to a placebo, did not improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in the study population, showing no apparent benefit. Further and more up-to-date research must be conducted before feverfew can be recommended as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
Other Uses
Feverfew is used to treat various other conditions, but more evidence is needed to determine feverfew's effectiveness for these purposes. These conditions include fever, colds, psoriasis, allergies, anemia, dizziness, ringing in the ears, earache, muscular tension, bone disorders, swollen feet, gastrointestinal disorders and reproductive disorders, including irregular menstrual periods and painful cramping associated with menstruation. According to Medline Plus, some individuals also use feverfew for contraceptive purposes.
Warnings
If you are allergic to any members of the Compositae family, including ragweed, chrysanthemums and marigolds, exercise caution using feverfew, because feverfew may also produce an allergic reaction. Other side effects of feverfew can include abdominal pain and gastrointestinal problems, including indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting and nervousness. Feverfew may also have a blood-thinning effect, so exercise caution if you are taking any blood-thinning medications. Pregnant women should not use feverfew because it may cause miscarriage or premature labor. Women who are nursing and children under age 2 should also not use feverfew. Avoid suddenly stopping feverfew use after one week, because withdrawal symptoms, including rebound headache, anxiety, fatigue and joint pain, may occur.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Feverfew
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Feverfew
- Medline Plus: Supplements: Feverfew
- "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases"; Feverfew in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Double-blind, Placebo Controlled Study; Pattrick, M., et al.; July 1989
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Feverfew
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