Feverfew Capsules

Chrysanthemum parthenium, or feverfew, is a perennial plant that is a member of the sunflower family and native to southeastern Europe. It has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for the treatment of migraines as well as for a variety of other health promoting purposes. Although the raw leaves of the feverfew can be chewed, this can cause mouth ulcers. Dried feverfew leaves are sold in capsule form and are easier to ingest, with fewer side effects.

Feverfew Nutrients

Feverfew contains volatile oils, as well as the phytochemicals beta-carotene, parthenolide and santamarin. Phytochemicals are potent antioxidant substances found in plants that help to prevent and treat disease in humans. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that feverfew exhibits free radical scavenging properties and helps to protect against UV-induced sun damage. Feverfew also contains the minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc; as well as vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3 and C.

List of Purported Benefits

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, feverfew is used to reduce pain and to treat colitis, skin conditions, stomach aches, asthma, psoriasis and fevers. Phyllis Balch states in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" that feverfew also helps to prevent muscle spasms and tension, reduce mucus build-up in the bronchi and lungs, stimulate the appetite, relieve nausea and vomiting and promote menstruation. Feverfew is also purported to prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. The usefulness of feverfew for these purposes are based primarily on anecdotal and not scientific evidence.

Migraines and Arthritis

Feverfew is most commonly used to prevent and treat headaches and migraines. Its usefulness for migraine prevention and relief is believed to be due to a compound found in feverfew called parthenolide. Parthenolide helps to prevent the constriction of blood vessels in the brain and relieve smooth muscle spasms. Parthenolide may also help to inhibit inflammation, and has been touted as beneficial for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. UMM warns that studies have shown conflicting results regarding the usefulness of feverfew for the treatment of arthritis.

Dosage and Precautions

For the treatment of migraines or inflammatory conditions, take 100 to 300 mg up to four times daily. For the best results choose a feverfew supplement that contains a standardized dose of at least 0.2 percent parthenolide. Feverfew may cause abdominal pain, indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and nervousness. Also, withdrawal symptoms from abruptly stopping feverfew have been noted and may include headaches, anxiety, fatigue and muscle stiffness. Pregnant women, people on blood thinning medication, people with bleeding disorders and individuals with allergies to ragweed, chamomile or yarrow should not take feverfew. Due to the potential for adverse reactions, talk to your health care practitioner before supplementing with feverfew.