Feverfew

Species name:  Chrysanthemum parthenium, T. Parthenium.

Also known as: Featherfew and Bachelor's Buttons.

If you want something more natural for a migraine, or traditional migraine medication isn’t working for it, you might consider feverfew.

Its tradition is in the treatment or fever and headache is more natural than aspirin.

What is Feverfew? Feverfew is also known by the name featherfew and bachelor’s buttons, and was originally grown in Southwest Europe, brought to America originally for ornamental purposes. Greek and European herbalists have traditionally used feverfew as a fever reducer instead of aspirin.

The plant is a medicinal herb found in many old gardens. On occasion, it is grown for ornamental purposes and grows into a small bush that can grow to around eighteen inches high with citrus-scented leaves and flowers that resemble daisies.

Home Remedies Using Feverfew:

Benefits of Feverfew:

Feverfew has been used for many years in traditional and folk medicine as a substitute for aspirin in the treatment of fever, headache, and some of the symptoms that accompany them such as nausea and depression.

In the modern world, feverfew has been praised as a treatment for migraine headaches. Studies indicate that it works by inhibiting the release of serotonin and prostaglandins, which researchers believe aid the onset of migraines, and limits the inflammation of blood vessels in the head.

The blood vessel spasms are believed to contribute to the headaches, thus feverfew’s ability to limit them in turn prevents their onset. Both active ingredients in feverfew, parthenolide and tanetin, contribute to relief from migraines.

In addition to migraines, modern research shows it may also help in the treatment of diseases that are caused by chronic inflammation such as arthritis. The plant also has been used externally to treat insect bites and as an insect repellent.

The use of feverfew, in addition to reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, it may also lower blood pressure, reduce stomach irritation, and provide a renewed sense of well being.

It is also possible that it helps relieve dizziness, tinnitus, and painful or sluggish menstruation. Some claim its extracts relieve asthma, coughs, dermatitis, and worms.

Uses of Feverfew:

• Headache
• Inflammation
• Substitute for aspirin
• Prevention of migraine headaches and its symptoms
• As a cold tea to relieve skin perspiration associated with migraines, to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, improve kidney function
• It also comes in capsule and tablet form

***Note: It may take four to six weeks before feverfew’s effects are noticeable. It is not a remedy for acute migraine attacks.***

Side Effects of Feverfew:

• GI distress
• Mouth ulcers
• Change in platelet actions
• Loss of taste from eating the fresh leaves
• Herb should not be used by pregnant women