Originally found only in Southeastern Europe, feverfew has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Feverfew has many names and can be found on store shelves in varying amounts. Using standardized amounts of feverfew will help you to receive maximum healing benefits. This may be good news for you if you suffer from migraine headaches or rheumatoid arthritis.
Facts
Feverfew was once found only in the Balkan mountains of Eastern Europe. Historically, feverfew has been used in folk remedies to treat headaches, arthritis and fevers. It is also commonly known as featherfew, Santa Maria, wild chamomile, wild quinine and bachelor's buttons, and its scientific name is Tanacetum parthenium. Feverfew is commonly mistaken for the chrysanthemum since they are both part of the same botanical family.
Benefits
Feverfew may help you find relief for a variety of concerns including migraine headaches, fevers, stomach aches, infertility issues, menstrual problems and difficulties in childbirth. You may also find some relief for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, dizziness, nausea and psoriasis. Feverfew acts as an anti-inflammatory as well as providing protection against harmful UV rays of the sun. Medical studies have only confirmed relief for migraine headaches, however.
Identification
Feverfew is an herb that resembles a short bush of daisies . It grows in North America, South America, Australia and Europe. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "Feverfew is a short perennial that blooms between July and October and gives off a strong and bitter odor." Feverfew has alternating yellow-and-green leaves that turn downward, with short hairs. The herb has daisy-like flowers.
Dosage
You can readily find feverfew as capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. Feverfew is not toxic. By chewing on fresh feverfew leaves daily, you may receive quick relief from migraine headaches and reduce the number of migraine headache attacks overall. Freeze-dried feverfew is most similar to fresh feverfew, and other forms may not be as beneficial because the active ingredient may be too old.
In order to see maximum relief, you need to take feverfew for several months. The National Headache Foundation recommends you start with a daily dose of 50mg to avoid most side effects associated with feverfew. Supplementing feverfew with vitamin B-12 and magnesium may help to increase your benefits.
Warnings
According to the NCCAM, "One study found that feverfew did not reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in women whose symptoms did not respond to conventional medicines." Studies have shown that if you suffer mild symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, however, you may find some relief with feverfew based on the severity of your symptoms.
You may suffer side effects from using feverfew. If you decide to chew fresh feverfew leaves, you may experience canker sores, mouth irritations and swellings, as well as loss of taste. Less common side effects of feverfew include bloating, nausea and digestive issues, according to NCCAM. You may have allergic reactions to feverfew if you already have allergies to ragweed, marigolds and chrysanthemums. You should not use feverfew if you are pregnant because you could suffer a miscarriage or premature birth. Do not take feverfew if you are currently on blood thinners as feverfew may increase bleeding.
After using feverfew long-term, you may also suffer from some mild side effects after you stop taking this herb. Withdrawal effects include muscle stiffness, anxiety, headaches, nausea and moderate pain.
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