Migraines are severely painful headaches characterized by a throbbing, pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. They may be accompanied by visual disturbances, nausea and dizziness. Migraines can have many "triggers," including alcohol, stress, smoking, caffeine or loud noises. If you suffer from migraines, you may find that over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen help to relieve your pain. However, if your symptoms are debilitating and you have two or more migraine attacks per month, your doctor may prescribe prescription medicines to help prevent them. The herb known as feverfew may also help to prevent migraines, although evidence is mixed. Talk to your doctor before using it.
Properties
Feverfew is related to the common daisy. According to the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website, its leaves have been used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but its principal medicinal use is as a prophylactic treatment for migraines. It contains a chemical called parthenolide, which according to RxList inhibits certain biological processes that may lead to migraines.
Administration
You can take feverfew in capsules or tablets or as a powder. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 50 mg to 80 mg daily to help prevent migraines. However, the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website recommends a slightly higher dose of 80 mg to 100 mg of powdered feverfew leaf daily. Bear in mind that these doses are intended only as a guideline. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is right for you.
Scientific Evidence
Evidence to support the use of feverfew as a preventive treatment for migraine is mixed. An analysis of data from six clinical trials published in the December 2000 issue of "Public Health Nutrition" concludes that feverfew can be effective in the prevention of migraine. However, a subsequent and updated analysis published in the 2004 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" by the same researchers concludes that there is insufficient evidence to suggest feverfew can prevent migraines.
Safety Considerations
Short-term feverfew use is likely safe for most people, according to RxList, but it may cause side effects including nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach upset. Don't use it for longer than four months, because researchers have not studied its long-term effects. Avoid this herb if you are allergic to members of the daisy family or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may reduce your blood's ability to clot so do not take it if you take anticoagulant drugs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Migraine Headache
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Feverfew
- RxList: Feverfew
- "Public Health Nutrition"; The Efficacy and Safety of Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): An Update of a Systematic Review; E. Ernst and M.H. Pittler; December 2000
- "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews;" Feverfew For Preventing Migraine; M.H. Pittler and E. Ernst; 2004
