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Centuries-old migraine reliever
Migraine sufferers have begun to turn here for relief. So far, preliminary research on feverfew finds that individuals with migraines who take supplements every day may have fewer and milder migraine headaches than they do when not taking the herb.
Commonly known as bachelor's button, the leaves of the feverfew plant contain substances that may inhibit constriction of blood vessels, which scientists believe contribute to migraine attacks. Feverfew has been used to treat headaches, as well as a host of other ailments, since 78 A.D. Beware, though, migraine sufferers who start taking supplements may not feel the effects for two to three months. But those whom it does help say the wait is well worth it.
Quick Facts About Feverfew:
- The leaves of the feverfew plant have been used by some to treat headaches, menstrual problems, arthritis, fever, asthma, and dermatitis
- You may need to take feverfew daily for a few months to feel any beneficial effects
- Feverfew reportedly stimulates uterine contractions, which could cause spontaneous abortion in a pregnant woman
- Feverfew was used at one time as an antidote for too much opium
- The tincture of feverfew flowers can be used as an insect repellant
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Consult Your Doctor Before Taking Feverfew if You:
- Are allergic to pyrethrins (certain types of chrysanthemums)
- Are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant in the near future
- Take anticoagulant medication or have any type of clotting disorder
How Feverfew Supplements Can Work Best for You:
- You may need to take feverfew daily for several months before it has any effect
- Chewing fresh or dried feverfew may cause mouth ulcers -- it might be best to stick with capsules, tablets or tincture
Product Forms Available:
- Fresh or dried leaves
- Teas
- Capsules or tablets
- Tinctures
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Commonly found in Europe, North America, and Australia, the main active ingredient of feverfew is a sesquiterpene lactone called parthenolide. This component has spasmolytic activity: that is, it causes vascular smooth muscle cells to be less reactive to certain hormones, such as norepinephrine, prostaglandins, and serotonin.
Other constituents of feverfew include borneol, camphor, pyrethrins, santamarin, terpene, and volatile oils.
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Feverfew may be effective for many people -- in the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches. This herbal supplement may reduce not only the number of migraine headaches that sufferers experience, but it may also alleviate the symptoms of migraines. These symptoms may include severe headache, nausea, and vomiting.
Feverfew may be helpful in relieving other conditions. As its name suggests, feverfew may help to reduce fevers. Advocates of feverfew have claimed that this herb helps people who have rheumatoid arthritis, problems with painful menstruation, and pain in other parts of the body. If you have any of these problems, you may find feverfew helpful in alleviating your symptoms.
Feverfew is used to help women with dysmenorrhea. Because this herb may stimulate uterine contractions, pregnant women should talk to their doctors before taking feverfew (it may cause premature contractions).
Feverfew Supplements May Be Helpful if You Have:
- Migraine headaches
- Fever
- Arthritis
- Menstrual problems
- Headaches
Storage
Store all forms of feverfew in a cool, dry place.
Dosage and Administration
Feverfew can be administered in several forms: dried or fresh leaves, teas, capsules or tablets, and tinctures.
Dried or fresh leaves. You may eat 1 or 2 dried or fresh leaves of feverfew daily as a preventive measure for migraine headaches. Some people, however, experience mouth ulcers from chewing the leaves.
Tea. Add about 5 leaves into 2 cups of boiling water. Simmer for 15 minutes, and then drink up. You may drink up to 3 cups a day.
Capsules or Tablets: You may take 1-3 100 mg capsules or tablets a day, or as directed by manufacturer.
Tinctures: To administer feverfew as a tincture, mix 5 drops of the tincture with water. You may take feverfew in this form 3 times daily.
You may not notice any effects from taking feverfew supplements right away. It may take 2-3 months to have any effect.
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General Warnings
Do not use feverfew supplements if you are pregnant or have blood-clotting conditions. Check with your physician before taking feverfew even if you have neither of these conditions.
Pregnant Women
It is not recommended that pregnant women take feverfew supplements because feverfew may stimulate uterine contractions, causing premature contractions.
Medication
Talk to your doctor before you take feverfew supplements if you are on blood thinning medications such as Coumadin.
Side Effects
Eating dried or fresh feverfew leaves may cause some serious side effects including internal mouth ulcers and stomach pains. If you experience any of these symptoms as a result of eating feverfew leaves, stop eating them and call your doctor.
No side effects have been reported from taking other forms of feverfew supplements. However, if you experience any side effects from taking a supplement, discontinue use and notify your physician.
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Sources & Further Reading
Books
1. Balch, James, F., P.A. Balch. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Garden City Park, New York: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
2. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy. New York: St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1997.
3. Facts and Comparisons: The Review of Natural Products. Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
4. Hoffman, David. The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc, 1996.
5. Murray, Michael. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995.
6. Tyler, Varro E. The Honest Herbal. Binghamton, New York: The Haworth Press, 1993.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
Articles
- 1. Awang DV. "Feverfew products". CMAJ. 157(5):510-1. Sep 1, 1997.
2. Cottrell K. "Herbal products begin to attract the attention of brand-name drug companies". CMAJ. 155(2):216-9. Jul 15, 1996.
3. Fisher AA. "Esoteric contact dermatitis. Part IV: Devastating contact dermatitis in India produced by American parthenium weed". Cutis. 57(5):297-8. May 1996.
4. Gupta N; Sriramarao P; Kori R; Rao PV. "Immunochemical characterization of rapid and slowly released allergens from the pollen of Parthenium hysterophorus". Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 107(4):557-65. Aug 1995.
5. Knight DW. "Feverfew: chemistry and biological activity". Nat Prod Rep. 12(3):271-6. Jun 1995.
6. Murch SJ; Simmons CB; Saxena PK. " Melatonin in feverfew and other medicinal plants". Lancet. 350(9091):1598-9. Nov 29, 1997.
7. Williams CA; Hoult JR; Harborne JB; Greenham J; Eagles J. "A biologically active lipophilic flavonol from Tanacetum parthenium". Phytochemistry. 38(1):267-70. Jan 1995.
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