Most people get a headache from time to time, but for some, headaches are a daily misery. Chronic daily headaches, which Mayo Clinic defines as occurring 15 days or more a month, for at least three months, can be disabling and may lead to depression and anxiety. If you suffer from chronic daily headaches, your doctor may prescribe medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or tricyclic antidepressants to help prevent them. An herb known as feverfew may also prevent headaches, although clinical studies evaluating its efficacy as a treatment for chronic daily headaches specifically are lacking. Get medical clearance before using feverfew.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Feverfew, botanical name Tanacetum parthenium, is a leafy shrub sometimes used as an alternative remedy for conditions such as arthritis and psoriasis. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes, however, that its main use is as a preventive treatment for migraines. The leaves of the feverfew plant contain a host of active compounds including tannins and volatile oils, although one compound in particular, known as parthenolide, likely confers feverfew's therapeutic effects.
Administration
Feverfew may be taken as a tea or herbal tincture or in capsules. You may also chew fresh feverfew leaves, although this may cause mouth ulcers and swelling of the lips and tongue. Guidance regarding the dose required to prevent chronic daily headaches is lacking, but MedlinePlus notes that 50 mg to 100 mg of feverfew extract may be taken daily to help prevent migraine headaches. Check with your doctor that this is an appropriate dose for you.
Effectiveness
Feverfew's efficacy as a treatment for chronic daily headaches has not been evaluated in clinical studies. However, data from studies of the effect of feverfew on migraine headaches shows promise. For example, the results of a double-blind, multicenter, randomized placebo-controlled study published in the November 2005 issue of "Cephalgia" show that feverfew reduced migraine headache frequency.
Safety Considerations
Using feverfew for up to four months is likely safe, according to MedlinePlus. However, side effects can include heartburn, constipation, nausea and vomiting. It may also cause joint stiffness, fatigue and weight gain. Don't use feverfew if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you are allergic to plants in the same family, such as ragweed and daisies. Keep in mind that it may interact with other medicines you may be using such as anticoagulants.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Chronic Daily Headaches
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Feverfew
- MedlinePlus: Feverfew
- "Cephalgia"; 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; H.C. Diener et al.; November 2005
