Unlocking the Power of Feverfew: Nature’s Remedy for Migraines and Inflammation
Key Points
- Feverfew, a worldwide medicinal herb of the daisy family, is notable for its anti-inflammatory compound, parthenolide, and its use in traditional and modern-day herbal medicine.
- Clinical evidence supports feverfew’s benefits for migraine prevention, joint pain, and menstrual cramps by modulating inflammation and serotonin pathways.
- The herb is available as capsules, teas, and tinctures. Opting for superior items and adhering to appropriate dose levels is crucial.
- Use regularly over time to experience the full benefits – everyone responds differently due to personal variations in health conditions and body chemistry.
- Specific individuals, including pregnant people, those with plant allergies, or those on blood thinners, should speak with their doctor before taking feverfew.
- While it’s relatively easy to grow feverfew at home in many climates, incorporating whole-plant preparations can help maximize its synergistic health benefits.
- Get ahead of minor pain
- Supports healthy blood vessel tone, specifically for the head
- NO artificial flavors, colors, excipients or stearates
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Feverfew, or Tanacetum parthenium, is an herb with small white flowers and green leaves. Employed in herbalism for centuries, feverfew is most commonly used to relieve migraine headaches and mild inflammation.
We consume its dried leaves in teas, capsules, and extracts. The plant is native to many areas and adapts well to home gardens because it requires minimal maintenance.
While some research indicates that feverfew can help reduce migraine frequency, the effects are inconsistent.
Side effects such as mouth sores or stomach upset may appear in others.
To understand its actual worth and safety, it is helpful to review its function, scientific findings, and precautions.
What is Feverfew?
Feverfew, or Tanacetum parthenium, is a flowering herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae) prized for its potential to relieve pain and reduce fever.
Its name is derived from the Latin “febrifugia,” or “fever reducer.”
Native to Eurasia—particularly the Balkans, Anatolia, and the Caucasus—the plant is now also found in North America and Australia.
For hundreds of years, healers relied on feverfew, a popular herbal supplement, to combat headaches, fevers, and inflammation.
The star compound, parthenolide, is believed to help with inflammation, which is why many seek out this plant for its antioxidant effects and comfort.
1. Botanical Profile
Feverfew is readily identifiable in gardens. It grows up to 70cm tall, with small daisy-like flowers, reaching about 20mm across. It has bright white petals and a yellow center, yellow-green, soft, deeply cut leaves.
A member of the Asteraceae family, feverfew is related to herbs such as chamomile and yarrow. These plants have the same flower shapes and occasionally the same herbal uses, but each possesses unique characteristics.
Feverfew prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sun, thriving specifically when soil temperatures are cooler. The plant is hardy and easy to cultivate across a variety of climates, making it popular for domestic gardens and small farms worldwide.
2. Historical Roots
The ancient Greeks and Romans grew feverfew in temple gardens and used it to treat headaches and fevers. Early texts mention its use by Greek doctors for pain relief and swelling.
Eventually, feverfew was a staple in European folk medicine, sometimes dubbed “medieval aspirin.”
Its common name is derived from its traditional use — many a healer advocated it for fevers and aches. Later, it jumped from folk remedies to contemporary herbal medicine, retaining its status as a painkiller.
Famed herbalists such as Nicholas Culpeper described feverfew’s medicinal properties, which aided the plant’s popularity for centuries.
3. Active Compounds
While feverfew contains many chemicals, sesquiterpene lactones—particularly parthenolide—are prominent; they are primarily present in leaves and flowers.
Parthenolide is the principal chemical associated with feverfew’s ability to suppress inflammation and pain. It inhibits some of the body’s inflammatory pathways.
Other compounds, such as flavonoids, can enhance the health benefits of parthenolide. Ongoing research shows that these compounds may help reduce migraine symptoms.
Researchers continue to investigate the mechanisms of action of these components and the novel medicinal applications of feverfew.
- Expertly extracted to provide minor pain support.
- Prepared from the certified organic leaf and flower of Tanacetum parthenium plants grown on our own farms in southern Oregon.
- Rapidly absorbed liquid extract.
- Gluten-free and non-GMO.
- Herb potency assured through High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis.
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4. Modern Relevance
Interest in feverfew has returned as the populace seeks more natural health alternatives.
Individuals who are looking to wean themselves off daily pain pills occasionally take feverfew for headaches or minor pain.
Today, you can readily find feverfew in herbal supplements and teas.
How Feverfew Works
Feverfew, a perennial herb well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, contains parthenolide, an active ingredient thought to assist with migraine and inflammation.
Understanding the clinical efficacy of feverfew is essential for anyone wishing to use this dietary supplement prudently.
Inflammation Pathways
Feverfew blocks NF-kB, a protein that activates genes associated with inflammation and pain. By arresting NF-κB, feverfew could decelerate the production of inflammatory molecules, reducing pain and swelling.
Parthenolide in feverfew acts on prostaglandins. Prostaglandins cause pain and swelling, so blocking them means less pain.
This is significant for those with chronic inflammation problems, such as arthritis. By altering cytokine activity, it helps manage the body’s inflammatory signals that initiate and sustain swelling.
For most, this translates to fewer flare-ups and more comfort in your day-to-day life.
Serotonin Regulation
Feverfew can impact serotonin, a significant brain chemical. When serotonin isn’t stable, it gives you headaches, particularly migraines.
Feverfew’s chemicals can maintain serotonin levels, which makes it more difficult for headaches to commence.
Stabilizing serotonin aids cerebral blood vessels. If our blood vessels don’t dilate too much, there is less of a probability for a migraine to occur.
This equilibrium could translate into less debilitating headaches and a more balanced emotional state. If you suffer from chronic migraines, feverfew provides a natural way to alleviate them.
Pain Perception
Feverfew alters the body’s perception of pain. It acts on nerve signals, reducing the intensity of pain. This is beneficial for individuals dealing with persistent pain, such as migraines or muscle aches.
By desensitizing pain signals in the brain, feverfew could help reduce the body’s reaction to pain cues. If you experience sudden attacks of pain, you may find them reduced in frequency or intensity.
This sedative effect on nerves is why some use feverfew for quick, chronic pain relief.
Broader Wellness Benefits
Feverfew’s influence might extend beyond pain, with specific lab tests suggesting its antioxidant effects and potential anticancer properties.
However, further studies are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy and benefits across various health conditions.
Conditions Feverfew Helps
Feverfew is an herbal medicine that enjoys a long and fascinating history, from old-world cures to emerging contemporary applications. It’s best known for alleviating migraine headaches, but it also aids in joint pain, menstrual cramps, and skin problems.
With its antioxidant effects and various treatment durations, more people are using feverfew holistically, attracting growing interest from herbalists and medical researchers alike.
| Condition | Description | Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Migraine | Primary use, strong research focus | Main use, strong research focus |
| Joint Discomfort | Pain or swelling that can limit movement | Used for arthritis, daily aches |
| Menstrual Pain | Cramps and discomfort during menstruation | Helps with hormone balance |
| Skin Health | Irritation, bites, or redness on the skin | Topical and oral applications |
Migraine Headaches
Feverfew is best known for relieving migraine headaches.
Once we had digested these two things, we actually found significant differences among the supplements on the market. Research indicates it may reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraines.
It works by preventing the dilation of blood vessels in the brain, inhibiting serotonin, and relaxing smooth muscle spasms.
Others experience an improvement in other migraine symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue.
Researchers have found that a dose of 100 to 300 mg of parthenolide (0.2% to 0.4%), taken once to four times per day, can help some individuals.
Not all research concurs—some indicate it works just a touch better than a placebo. Consistent use is key to its best results.
Joint Discomfort
The plant’s key constituent, parthenolide, inhibits molecules that trigger inflammation in arthritic joints. This can translate into reduced pain and improved mobility, especially for individuals suffering from arthritis or minor discomfort.
Feverfew’s antioxidants help to slow the damage to joint tissues, which helps maintain joint health.
Feverfew is not a cure, but it’s often used in combination with other treatments for joint pain.
This, combined with all the other benefits, makes it an excellent option for anyone willing to try a hybrid approach.
Menstrual Pain
For most people, feverfew relieves menstrual cramps by inhibiting the release of prostaglandins, which are pain-inducing. It does this by blocking prostaglandins, small chemicals that amplify cramps.
Whammy sufferers may experience less pain monthly if they take feverfew correctly. Daily use right before and during the period appears to be the most effective.
Skin Health
Feverfew soothes red, itchy, or swollen skin. They apply it to bug bites or minor rashes for immediate comfort. Its anti-inflammatory action is what helps the skin most.
There is new research on feverfew in creams for chronic skin conditions, though more studies are needed.
- Natural Feverfew (Fewerfew) Herb from Austria
- Cut & Dried Tanacetum Parthenium
- Net Weight: 1oz/28.5g
- It may be grown as an ornament, and may be identified by its synonyms, Chrysanthemum parthenium and Pyrethrum parthenium.
- Edible Premium Food-grade, Made in Germany. 100% Pure, Vegan. All Natural Ingredients, Raw & Caffeine Free.
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How to Use Feverfew
There are many ways to use feverfew extracts, making it easy for individuals to incorporate this herbal supplement into their lifestyles.
The form you choose depends on your needs and preferences, and understanding the clinical efficacy of different application methods can enhance the antioxidant effects you receive, ensuring optimal health benefits.
Preparations
- Capsules: A common choice, often standardized to 0.2%-0.4% parthenolide.
- Teas: Made by steeping dried leaves in hot water.
- Tinctures: Liquid extracts, usually alcohol-based, for sublingual use.
- Powdered feverfew: Encapsulated or mixed into foods.
- Whole-leaf: Fresh or dried, sometimes chewed or added to salads.
To use fresh leaves, pick young, healthy leaves, wash them well, and chop them before stirring them into foods or eating them straight. It should only be used in small quantities as it is unsavory to the taste, bitter, and pungent.
Ground feverfew is easier to quantify and combine into capsules, whereas whole-leaf varieties are more natural but may be difficult to dose.
Both have parthenolide, which may provide the primary benefits, but levels differ.
Quality counts with feverfew. Seek out reputable vendors that screen for parthenolide content and contamination.
Get it from reputable brands and you’ll be safe and consistent.
Dosages
- For migraine prevention, 50-150 mg of feverfew powder per day for up to 4 months is typical.
- Carbon dioxide extracts at 2.08-18.75 mg, t.d., for 3-4 months.
- Supplements with 0.2%-0.4% parthenolide: Take 100-300 mg, one to four times daily. Hold each dose under the tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing.
- Always check product labels for exact dosing and do not exceed recommended amounts.
For capsules and tinctures, begin at the low end of the dose. Modify only if necessary and without causing side effects.
Labels typically provide product-specific guidance, so be sure to read them carefully. This sidesteps dosing mistakes.
Consistency
Taking this medicine, feverfew, every day is the trick to optimal results. Skipping days might decrease its impact, particularly for migraine prophylaxis.
Most research recommends taking feverfew for as long as 3-4 months. After this, take a break, as safety over 4 months is not well-studied.
The key is to stick with it. Herbs act in time, not instantly. Patience allows your body to react.
Everyone responds to feverfew differently. Some experience relief within a few days, but others require several weeks.
Understand the Risks
As with any natural remedy, feverfew, a popular herbal supplement, isn’t for everyone.
Understanding its potential adverse effects and interactions with other drugs is crucial, so consult your healthcare provider about your health profile and current treatments.
- May cause allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to plants such as chamomile.
- May cause digestive upset, mouth sores, or skin rash.
- It can cause slow blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding, particularly before surgery.
- Could interact with blood thinners and platelet inhibitors, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- May cause withdrawal symptoms if discontinued suddenly after long-term use.
- Effects can vary based on health conditions and medications.
Contraindications
- Pregnant or nursing. * Kids under 2.
- Individuals with bleeding conditions.
- Hypersensitive to any of the members of the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family (eg, chamomile, ragweed)
- Those with upcoming surgeries in the next two weeks.
- Individuals on blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelets
Allergic reactions aren’t uncommon, particularly if you’re already sensitive to chamomile, ragweed, or similar plants.
Swelling, rash, or mouth sores can appear shortly following use. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider.
They can help you balance potential benefits and risks, especially given feverfew’s antioxidant effects.
Understanding your own health and what medicines you take is essential, as this herbal supplement can alter your body’s reaction.
- Nature’s Way Feverfew Herb from feverfew offers traditional support for blood vessel relaxation*
- With 380 mg per 2-capsule serving
- Adults take 1 capsule three times daily, preferably with food
- Gluten-free and vegan. No salt, wheat, soy, corn, dairy, gelatin, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Non-GMO Project Verified
- At Nature’s Way, we believe nature is the ultimate problem solver. For over 50 years, we have looked to the natural world for inspiration. Our quality vitamins and supplements are formulated to help you find your way to wellness
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Potential Side Effects
Digestive upset is common, including nausea or stomach pain. Chewing leaves can cause mouth ulcerations, canker sores, loss of taste, or tongue swelling.
Watch for skin redness or an itchy rash. In rare cases, it can change blood test results or cause vaginal bleeding.
If you begin feverfew, monitor symptoms. A few have withdrawal symptoms (post-feverfew syndrome) upon cessation, so taper down rather than cold turkey.
Never fail to tell your provider if you develop new or strange symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Feverfew may slow blood clotting. It can potentiate the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin, increasing bleeding risk.
This risk is higher pre-op, so cease feverfew 2+ weeks prior.
Taking feverfew with multiple drugs can get complicated. Discuss with your doctor if you take medications, particularly blood or heart meds.
Feverfew can alter the way your body processes other therapies.
Beyond the Capsule
Feverfew is an herb of promise, with uses that extend well beyond dietary supplements. Many people appreciate using whole plants or extracts, not only for migraines but also for overall well-being and health.
Other studies suggest its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with parthenolide, a primary active ingredient in feverfew, able to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Herbalists have traditionally made feverfew into glycerites or tinctures, and many report better digestion or reduced inflammation with these preparations.
There’s growing intrigue about how the entourage of plant compounds combines to exert a power beyond that of a single isolated component.
Cultivation
Feverfew is a tough little perennial that grows best in well-drained soil with full sun, but it will tolerate some shade. It likes neutral to slightly alkaline soil, so a bit of lime will assist if your soil is on the acidic side.
Sow plant feverfew indoors in early spring, then transplant it outside after the last frost. You can direct sow, but be sure the soil stays moist during the first few weeks.
Feverfew appreciates steady moisture but doesn’t like to be waterlogged, so keep it watered – but allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
Vigorous plants require the occasional trimming to avoid congestion and encourage circulation. Deadheading can prolong the plant’s blooming.
Regular pest and disease inspections help keep feverfew in prime condition and ready for harvest.
If you’ve got a fresh feverfew at home, you can make teas and tinctures, or even toss leaves into salads, making it easier to experiment with forms beyond the capsule.
Quality Factors
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Source | Where and how the feverfew is grown |
| Extraction Method | Impacts the final product’s purity and strength |
| Standardization | Ensures consistent levels of active compounds |
| Additives/Fillers | Some products contain extra substances that may lower quality |
When purchasing feverfew, opt for reputable brands with transparent sources.
Standardized extracts ensure a consistent dose of parthenolide, so look for that on the label.
Look out for unwanted fillers or additives, which dilute the benefits and can lead to undesirable side effects.
Whole-Plant Synergy
Whole-plant extracts might be more effective than isolated compounds since they deliver a synergy of natural chemicals that can enhance one another.
This synergy is at the core of traditional herbalism, which often places greater value on a whole plant than on its individual parts.
Researchers are examining how feverfew’s complete profile, not just parthenolide, may support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Although studies are mixed, many herbalists report observing more wide-ranging effects with whole-plant preparations.
Sampling tinctures, teas, or fresh leaves can allow you to discover what suits you best. These alternate forms are options for those who desire more than a capsule.
Our Conclusion
Feverfew has a long history in natural medicine. They utilize it for head pain, joint pain, and beyond. Some chew the leaves, others swallow them in tea or pill form.
Results vary.
Side effects occur, but remain mild in the majority. Look out for plant allergies or tummy upset. Many people are seeking a safer approach to pain, so feverfew remains in the spotlight.
Some people trade tales of tea blends or personal garden flora.
Speak with a physician before you give it a whirl, just for safety’s sake. Want more easy tips on herbs or safe self-care?
Browse our posts and chat with other folks who care about being healthy.
- Supports relaxation and healthy micro-circulation
- Traditional health-promoting herb
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is feverfew?
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a medicinal herb known for its antioxidant effects. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions, particularly headaches and inflammation.
How does feverfew help with migraines?
Feverfew, a perennial herb known for its antioxidant properties, can reduce migraine frequency and severity by blocking brain chemicals that trigger inflammation.
Is feverfew safe to use daily?
Feverfew is safe for most adults when used as directed, but it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for information on daily dosage and potential adverse effects.
Can children use feverfew?
Feverfew is not advised for use in children due to limited research on its safety and clinical efficacy for youth.
What are the common side effects of feverfew?
Typical side effects of dietary supplements may include mouth irritation, digestive upset, and allergic reactions; consult a healthcare provider if any adverse effects occur.
How should I take feverfew for the best results?
Feverfew, a perennial herb, is available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, teas, and extracts. Always follow package instructions or consult a health care provider regarding optimal dosage and use.
Who should avoid using feverfew?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with allergies to related plants, and those taking blood-thinning medication should avoid feverfew extracts unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider.
