Medicinal Plants : Chrysanthemum parthenium

Name

Feverfew

Biological Name

Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium

Other Names

Feverfew, featherfew, featherfoil, febrifuge plant

Parts Used

Leaves, the herb

Active Compounds

Feverfew contains a range of compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones. Over 85% of these are a compound called parthenolide. Parthenolide helps prevent excessive clumping of platelets and inhibits the release of certain chemicals, including serotonin and some inflammatory mediators. This may reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine headaches and improve blood vessel tone.

History

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, arthritis, and other aches and pains.

Remedies For

Aperient, carminative, purgative, tonic, emmenagogue

Useful for:

Migraine headaches

Good for gas, bloating and worms. Feverfew promotes the onset of the menstrual period. Used to treat hysteria and alcoholism with delirium tremens. The flowers act as a purgative.

Description

Grows widely across Europe.

Dosage

Feverfew leaf extracts with at least 0.2% parthenolide content are generally used. Herbal extracts in capsules or tablets providing at least 250 mg of parthenolide per day are taken. It may take four to six weeks before benefits are noticed.

Safety

Taken as recommended, standardized feverfew causes minimal side effects. Minor side effects include gastrointestinal upset and nervousness.

Feverfew is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and should not be used by children under the age of two years.