The origins of feverfew are traced back to Asia Minor and the Balkans but, nowadays, the plants grow throughout the world. You’ll find it in North America, Europe, and even the cold regions of Canada. The plant appears hardy and robust. It can withstand a wide array of weather extremes that kill other more delicate plants. As the popularity of the herb has grown, commercial feverfew farms have started to spring up everywhere because the plant grows well with extraordinarily little care.
Once harvested, the leaves go through a drying and extraction process. In recent years feverfew has become a favorite treatment for migraine headaches. It also appears to relieve itching and other skin discomforts.
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History of Daisy-Like Herb
Historically, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) was used in the treatment of fevers and other conditions that caused inflammation. Therefore, the very word, febrifugia refers to the herb’s ability to reduce fever. In history books, feverfew is referred to as a medieval aspirin. Holistic practitioners would prescribe it to reduce fever, treat aches/pains, and even pain relief from the common cold.
What Makes Feverfew Special?
Feverfew is brimming with active compounds such as volatile oils and flavonoids, but one compound stands out as overwhelmingly interesting – parthenolide which occurs in the plant’s leaves. Also, most researchers will concur that parthenolide is the most active component and probably what sets it apart from other holistic plants with its overwhelming effectiveness.
The Impact on the Body
A daisy-like appearance
Parthenium impacts the body’s serotonin receptors that are found within the brain. This is probably why the herb relieves migraine headaches. In addition, the plant has impressive anti-inflammatory components. It also seems to relieve pain and produce some antihistamine effects that make it stand out from other supplements.
How to Use the Herb?
Capsule form
Rxlist gives a great deal of information on how to use feverfew which has been garnered from centuries of holistic use. At this point in modern medicine, physicians often suggest the use of feverfew as a holistic option for the prevention and control of migraine headaches. In addition, medical professionals and holistic practitioners now list the following users for the herb:
- Allergies
- Fever
- Menstrual irregularities
- Cancer
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Psoriasis
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory conditions that cause pain or discomfort
The Many Names of Feverfew
As with any herb throughout history, feverfew has a wide array of names and really depends on who you are talking to and what part of the world you live within. Below are a few common names of feverfew that you might encounter. Also, you might find supplements labeled with these names.
- Midsummer daisy
- Flirtwort
- Featherfw
- Altamisa
- Camomile grande
- Bachelor button
- Santa Maria
- Tanacetum parthenium
- Chrysanthemum parthenium
Dosage of Feverfew
If you have bought the supplement from a local store then the bottle probably has dosage instructions but, most experts agree that a dose of 50 to 100 mg per day orally works well to prevent migraines. If you decide to use fresh feverfew then use about 2.5 leaves per day. With freeze-dried leaves, you can use 50 to 150mg per day.
Precautions About The Herb
The herb is not like other herbal supplements that rarely impact prescription medications. In fact, feverfew appears to interact with a variety of drugs which is why it is imperative that you discuss the use of the herb with your doctor prior to use. It interacts to a high degree with about 73 prescription drugs and has a moderate reaction with 49 drugs.
If you are currently taking prescription drugs, always discuss the use of feverfew to avoid any possible interactions.
Side Effects of Feverfew
The herbal supplement has been used safely for centuries and has very few side effects. On rare occasions, feverfew can cause heartburn, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, and possible changes to the menstrual cycle in women.
Individuals who have ragweed, Asteraceae, or Compositae plant families (chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies) allergies should avoid using feverfew.
Anyone using blood thinners or liver medications should discuss the use of feverfew with their doctor because the herbal supplement has been known to interact with certain types.
Even herbal supplements can have side effects. If you are pregnant then you should abstain from using feverfew because it can cause uterine contractions. Therefore, it acts in a manner like aspirin and ibuprofen. You should avoid taking feverfew if you are using an NSAID.
Breastfeeding mothers should also stop using feverfew because strong evidence shows that it can leech into the breast milk and possibly pass it on to the baby. Ideally, breastfeeding mothers should abstain from using the herbal supplement.
Users of the herb have noted mouth ulcers and skin irritations on occasion. Also, an increase in heart rate, weight gain, and blood pressure spikes are all notable. Ideally, you should reduce the amount of feverfew if you develop any of the above conditions. Also, talk with your health care provider.
Feverfew and Migraines
For hundreds of years, holistic health practitioners have turned to the dried herb for the effective treatment of migraines. Migraines are moderate to severe headaches that can cause debilitating effects. Sufferers usually feel pain on one side of the head. It feels like a throbbing, pounding, or pulsing. Many also experience sensitivity to light, nausea, or vomiting. In many cases, migraines are so severe that they impact daily life and work rendering the sufferer incapable of functioning.
Parthenolide appears to impact the serotonin receptors and stop the blood platelets from relaxing inflammatory molecules which cause the blood vessels within the brain to widen and result in vasodilation. In addition, the smooth muscle spasms appear to also enhance the pain of the headache.
Studies have shown that the herb appears to reduce the frequency and overall intensity of severe headaches. Also, after using feverfew, many chronic migraine sufferers experience fewer headaches. The results have made it a popular migraine preventive and remedy.
Additional Benefits
The plant is reputed to have other benefits aside from treating migraines. Studies have shown that it works as an anticancer substance that has managed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in a clinical setting.
Beneficial Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatory properties related to feverfew are impressive. If you are seeking pain reduction then you might want to pair feverfew with kratom to truly prompt an autoinflammatory reaction in your body. Kratom is well known for its reputed anti-inflammatory properties When combined with feverfew then the results prove promising for the user who is seeking a holistic way to cope with pain.
Improved Mood
Anxiety and depression have become commonplace and many are seeking a solution to their emotions. Pharmaceutical solutions are not always ideal due to the bevy of potential side effects Although, it might effectively improve mood.
Skin Problems
Rosacea is embarrassing to the sufferer. Topical creams that contain the extract effectively reduce inflammation and ease the redness of the afflicted skin. However, when using a feverfew cream to treat skin problems make sure that the parthenolide has been removed because it can cause further irritation.
At My Kratom Club, we carry a full line of kratom strains. You’ll find powders, capsules, and extracts. If you are interested in pairing feverfew with kratom then please contact us to learn more.
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