Feverfew

Latin names: Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium.

Feverfew is a member of the Compositae or Daisy family, and is often referred to as the ‘big chamomile’.  The plant itself was known to the Egyptians and Greeks, and was valued by them for several conditions.  The popularity of this herb has, in recent years, received a boost because of clinical trials that have shown it to be helpful to sufferers of migraine headaches, and is supported by the British Migraine Association.

The Benefits of Feverfew

Migraine – it helps to open up the constricted blood vessels in the brain, which causes the pain in the majority of Migraine sufferers.

Circulation – it has been shown to inhibit excessive blood clotting.

Anti-inflammatory – it has been used against swellings, and to reduce the pain caused by inflammation in arthritis.

Muscle Relaxant – it has been used to relax the uterine smooth muscles, thus promoting menstrual flow.

Digestion – as a bitter herb, it has been useful in stimulating digestion and improving liver function.

Properties

Sesquiterpene lactones – these include parthenolide (the most pharmacologically active) chrysanthemonin, chrysartemin A and B and santamarin.  Parthenolide, in particular, has been shown in research to inhibit prostaglandin production, which results in the reduction of inflammation, decreased histamine secretion, decreased activation of inflammatory cells, and fever reduction (hence the name).  The inhibition of prostaglandins and decreased histamine secretion is probably the reason why feverfew is beneficial to many migraine sufferers, because this will reduce the spasms of the blood vessels that are believed to cause the pain.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Feverfew has caused some irritation in the mouth, and skin reactions in some users, particularly when used in high doses.

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