Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew has a long history of use and became very popular in the UK during the 1980s as a migraine remedy. Eclectic physicians used feverfew as a tonic which influenced the entire intestinal tract, to increase the appetite, improve digestion, promote secretion and act upon renal and functions.

ANTI-MIGRAINE - Feverfew works in the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches by inhibiting the release of blood vessel dilating substances from platelets (serotonin and histamine), inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances e.g. leukotrienes, and re-establishing proper blood vessel tone. Associated nausea and vomiting have also been shown to decrease or disappear.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY - Inflammatory compounds released by white blood cells and platelets contribute greatly to the inflammation and cellular damage found in rheumatoid arthritis. The inhibitory effects on inflammatory mediators by feverfew are much greater than NSAIDs such as aspirin.
ANTI-ALLERGY - Parthenolide along with other phytochemicals within feverfew are known to inhibit eicosanoid production such as arachidonic acid and to inhibit histamine release from mast cells.
ANTI-MICROBIAL - Compounds found in feverfew have demonstrated antibacterial effects towards staph. Aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella spp. Parthenolide has been shown to inhibit the growth of gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and fungi.

Dosage

400mg one to three times daily for prophylactic use. 1-2g may be required during an acute migraine attack. No restriction on long term use.

Potential applications

Feverfew is used mainly for migraine, arthritis, rheumatic disease, fever lowering, and allergies. In folk medicine, feverfew has been used for cramps, as a tonic, a stimulant, a digestive agent, a blood purifier, for digestive problems, intestinal parasites and gynaecological disorders.

Known contraindications

Those with known sensitivity to the Compositae family should not take Feverfew internally.

Interactions

None known.

Use in conjunction with

Migraine - quercetin, grape seed/pycnogenol, EFAs, bilberry/eyebright

Note

"In the worst headache this herb exceeds whatever else is known." - Physician, John Hill The Family Herbal 1772.

References

Simon Mills & Kerry Bone. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Modern Herbal Medicine. 2000.
PDR for Herbal Medicines. Second Edition. 2000
Melvyn R. Werbach & Michael T. Murray. Botanical Influences on Illness. A source book of clinical research. 1994

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