Feverfew, a perennial herb native to Europe that produces clusters of daisy-like flowers, has been used in herbal traditions for treatment of migraines and arthritic inflammation. All above-ground parts of the plant have purported medicinal value, however, the leaves are most often used in herbal preparations. Research has revealed mixed results for the potential benefits of feverfew for relieving symptoms of depression. Check with your doctor before using feverfew to treat depression.
Melancholy and Melatonin
Ancient Greeks used feverfew to treat melancholy, according to Teresa Graedon, PhD, co-author of the book "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies." And in England, feverfew was a favored remedy for vertigo, depression and headache up until the 17th century, when it mostly fell out of favor for nearly two hundred years. Feverfew leaves are thought to contain the hormone melatonin, which regulates your body's internal clock and tells you to sleep when its dark and to be active during daylight. Doses of up to 125 mg have been used in the treatment of migraines and up to 200 mg for other conditions.
Vascular Effects
As far back as 78 A.D. feverfew was used for a variety of health problems including depression and nervous complaints, according to Martha Libster, author of the book "Delmar's Integrative Herb Guide for Nurses." Feverfew has been shown to relax blood vessels in the brain and inhibit pro-inflammatory molecules, both of which can improve mood and cognitive function. Grow feverfew in a garden or as an indoor herb, says Libster, as the fresh picked leaves are purported to provide the most medicinal effects
Worsen Symptoms
Feverfew may worsen symptoms of depression or interfere with some antidepressant medications, warns Jeffery Katz, MD, of Harvard Medical School, in his book "Heal Your Aching Back: What a Harvard Doctor Wants You to Know About Finding Relief and Keeping Your Back Strong." The active compound in feverfew, called parthenolide, may have a blocking effect on serotonin. If you are being treated for depression, consult your doctor before using feverfew.
Considerations
Feverfew may inhibit blood clotting and is best avoided before or just after surgery or if you take anti-coagulant medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Feverfew can also cause abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, nausea, vomiting and nervousness. If you are allergic to ragweed or chamomile, it is possible you may also be allergic to feverfew. Some instances of mouth ulcers, loss of taste and swelling of the lips and tongue have also been reported from people chewing on fresh feverfew leaves.
References
- The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies; Teresa Graedon; 1999
- Delmar's integrative herb guide for nurses; Martha Libster; 2002
- "Heal Your Aching Back: What a Harvard Doctor Wants You to Know About Finding Relief and Keeping Your Back Strong"; 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Feverfew
