Feverfew

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Feverfew

Botanical name: Tanacetum parthenium

 

 

Parts used and where grown: Feverfew grows widely across Europe and North America. The leaves are used in herbal medicine.

 

 

 

 

 

Feverfew has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information)

:

 

 

 

Rating

Health Concerns

 

 

Migraine headaches

 

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

 

 

 

 

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): Feverfew was mentioned in Greek medical literature as a remedy for inflammation and for menstrual discomforts. Traditional herbalists in Great Britain used it to treat fevers, rheumatism, and other aches and pains.

 

 

 

 

Active constituents: Feverfew contains a range of compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones. Over 85% of these are a compound called parthenolide. In test tube studies, parthenolide prevents excessive clumping of platelets and inhibits the release of certain chemicals, including serotonin and some inflammatory mediators.

1 2 Feverfew's parthenolide content was originally thought to account for the anti-migraine action of this herb, but this has been a matter of recent debate.3

According to three double-blind trials with migraine patients, feverfew reduces the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine headaches.

4 5 6 These successful studies employed dried, powdered leaves. One negative study used an alcohol extract suggesting the dried leaf preparation is superior.7

 

 

 

How much is usually taken? Feverfew leaf products with at least 0.2% parthenolide content are generally used. Standardized leaf extracts may contain up to 0.7% parthenolide. Herbal products in capsules or tablets providing at least 250 mcg of parthenolide per day may be taken.

8 It may take four to six weeks before benefits are noticed. Feverfew is useful for decreasing the severity and incidence of migraines. However, it is not an effective treatment for an acute migraine attack.

 

 

 

 

Are there any side effects or interactions? Taken as recommended, standardized feverfew causes minimal side effects. Minor side effects include gastrointestinal upset and nervousness. Chewing feverfew leaves has been reported to cause canker sores.9 Feverfew is not recommended during pregnancy

or breast-feeding and should not be used by children under the age of two years.

 

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with feverfew.

 

-- Diana Gonzalez Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

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