Feverfew (Tancetum parthenium) is a very common plant found within Europe, which in addition to daisies and sunflowers is a member of the botanical family. This flower is often mistaken for chamomile due to its similarity in terms of colour and it is the leaves which are identified to have medicinal properties.
Health Benefits of Feverfew
Feverfew has been recognised since as far back as the Middle Ages for its healing properties, when the leaves were thought to help prevent malaria, as well as other life threatening conditions. While feverfew is now replaced by antimalarials and mosquito nets in terms of malaria prevention, it is still used today for its healing actions. In Healing Supplements, Lakin et al. (2006) highlight key health benefits and healing properties associated with feverfew extracts, to include the following:
- helps treat headaches
- prevents migraines
- acts as a natural insect repellent
- contains anti-inflammatory properties
- blocks substances causing blood vessels to constrict
- reduces number/severity of migraine headaches
- relieves menstrual cramps
- inhibits action on prostaglandins (cause pain/inflammation)
Further benefits of feverfew, as identified by Brewer (2010) in The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, are as follows:
- prevents sudden changes in blood vessel diameter
- reduces nausea associated with severe migraines
- alleviates migraine-related vomiting
Feverfew Forms, Dosage and Side Effects
Feverfew comes in four different forms, including as a capsule, tablet, tincture and dried herb, used to make herbal feverfew tea. According to Brewer (2010), the usual recommended dosage of feverfew depends on the strength of the product which has been purchased, but is typically around 125-250 mg daily. The percentage of parthenolide used in feverfew herbal remedies should ideally be between 0.2-0.4%, in order for the herb to be effective.
It is important to be aware that feverfew should be avoided by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and anyone taking anticoagulant medications. Side effects associated with feverfew, are recognised by Lakin et al. (2006), to include the following:
- mouth sores if feverfew leaves are chewed
- stomach upsets from feverfew leaves, supplements
- rash from skin contact with feverfew plant
As highlighted above, feverfew has been recognised since the Middle Ages for its medicinal benefits and healing properties. Key health benefits of feverfew extracts include anti-inflammatory properties and its usage to prevent migraine headaches, relieve menstrual cramps and combat nausea and vomiting associated with migraines. Before taking feverfew, in addition to other herbal supplements, it is important to first seek medical advice, while pregnant or breastfeeding women should avid this remedy.
Sources:
Brewer, S. (2010) The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements London: Constable Robinson
Lakin et al. (2006) Healing Supplements London: Reader's Digest
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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