Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a medicinal herb belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is native to Europe and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to alleviate various ailments.

Health Benefits of Feverfew

Feverfew is known for its potential health benefits and is commonly used for the following purposes:

The prevention of migraines & headaches, arthritis, fevers, muscle tension and pain, lower blood pressure, lessen stomach irritation, stimulate the appetite, improve digestion and kidney function, dizziness, tinnitus and menstrual problems.

Feverfew for Headache and Migraine Relief

Herbal medicine has an impressive track record in treating migraines and chronic headaches. Feverfew is perhaps best known for its use in preventing and reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

Feverfew treats the cause of the headaches rather than simply the pain, due to its anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties. Both the British Medical Journal and the Harvard Medical School Health Letter have paid tribute to the success of Feverfew in relieving migraines.

25 million Americans spend billion a year on medication for migraines. But many of the over-the-counter and prescription pain killers have a “rebound effect” after a period of use. The unfortunate consequence is that the drug actually begins to cause the headache.

Feverfew does not have this problem and is recommended by experts such as Dr. Andrew Weil as an effective alternative for headache sufferers. Since Feverfew is a fraction of the cost of the pharmaceutical drugs and has been shown to be effective for over two-thirds of those who use it consistently, the savings could be enormous.

Clinical tests have shown that the use of Feverfew may reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. It may be more effective than other nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDS), like aspirin.

It is the combination of ingredients in the Feverfew plant that brings such effective relief. It works to inhibit the release of two inflammatory substances, serotonin and prostaglandins, both believed to contribute to the onset of migraines. By inhibiting these amines as well as the production of the chemical histamine, the herb controls inflammation that constricts the blood vessels in the head and prevents blood vessel spasms which may contribute to headaches.

In several studies, both the frequency and the severity of migraines were reduced among study participants who took Feverfew daily as a preventive measure. However, active migraine headaches were not relieved by taking Feverfew. Feverfew should be taken regularly to receive maximum benefit and protection from migraines.

Feverfew for Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps occur when the uterine lining produces too much prostaglandin, a hormone that can cause pain and inflammation. Because it can help limit the release of prostaglandin, Feverfew has traditionally been used to alleviate menstrual pain and discomfort, including menstrual cramps and headaches associated with menstruation, due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

While more research is required, there’s probably no harm in starting to take Feverfew a day before you anticipate that your menstrual cramps will begin.

Feverfew for Arthritis and Inflammation

Feverfew has also been used for relieving the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Chemicals in Feverfew may reduce the body’s production of substances that initiate and prolong inflammation, which is the body’s response to irritation, injury, or infection.

Feverfew contains compounds such as parthenolide, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation in the body, making feverfew potentially beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and inflammatory skin conditions. Inflammation usually includes pain, redness and swelling in the area of the damage and it can occur within body tissues as well as on the surface of the skin.

Chemicals in Feverfew are thought to prevent blood components called platelets from releasing inflammatory substances. Feverfew may also reduce the body’s production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances made in the body and involved in regulating a number of body functions including blood pressure, blood vessel tone, and temperature, as well as inflammation.

All of these effects could help relieve fever, arthritis and migraines.

Additional Health Benefits of Feverfew

Additional health benefits include; lowering blood pressure, lessening stomach irritation, a renewed sense of well-being, stimulate appetite, improve digestion and kidney function, relieve dizziness, tinnitus, and painful or sluggish menstruation, relieve asthma, coughs, dermatitis and worms.

Digestive Health: Feverfew may have digestive benefits, including alleviating symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas. It is believed to stimulate digestion and promote gastrointestinal motility, potentially aiding in the relief of digestive discomfort.

Fever Reduction: As the name suggests, Feverfew has historically been used to reduce fever. While its fever-reducing effects are not as well-documented as its use for migraines, Feverfew may help lower body temperature due to its anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties.

Antioxidant Activity: Feverfew contains antioxidants which help to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body and reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidants play a role in supporting overall health and may help protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

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Feverfew Herb Notes / Side Effects

Feverfew is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. Feverfew contains compounds called sesquiterpene lactones, which can trigger uterine contractions and may lead to complications during pregnancy.

Additionally, Feverfew has blood-thinning properties, which could increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery.

Latin Names

Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Pyrethrum parthenium

Common Names

Bachelor’s Buttons, Bride’s button, Altamisa, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Febrifuge plant, Feverfew, Flirtwort, Pyrethrum, Wild Chamomile

Properties of Feverfew

Emmenagogue, purgative, stimulant, bitter tonic, antipyretic, aperient, anti-inflammatory, vermifuge, antioxidant

Feverfew is Indicated for:

Prevention of Migraines & Headaches, arthritis, relieve fevers, muscle tension and pain, lowers blood pressure, lessens stomach irritation, stimulates appetite, improve digestion and kidney function, dizziness, tinnitus and menstrual problems.