Feverfew Benefits & Uses
Updated Mar. 19th, 2024 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Medicinal Properties Found in Feverfew
- Key Health Benefits of Feverfew
- Feverfew Supplement Benefits & Varieties
- Important Considerations & Cautions
- Potential Side Effects
Tanacetum parthenium, also known as Chrysanthemum parthenium and Pyrethrum parthenium, more commonly referred to as feverfew, is a flowering plant in the daisy family, Asteraceae. It may be grown as an ornamental plant, but it has a long history of medicinal benefits.
It's been found to be the most effective natural supplement used to treat migraines. Feverfew has been clinically proven in many studies to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in about 75% of people who use it. Most people who take feverfew get fewer migraines, and when they do get them, they are much less severe.
Medicinal Properties Found in Feverfew
This plant is filled with potent essential oil and flavonoids which contribute to some of feverfews health benefits; however, it's the parthenolide compounds in the plant's leaves that may provide the most benefit.
Key Health Benefits of Feverfew
It's thought that feverfew contains substances, including parthenolide, that cause relaxation of smooth muscle tissue that surrounds arteries of the body. By relaxing the arteries in the brain, the active ingredients in feverfew can reduce the spasms that are the primary cause of migraines.
The uterus also contains smooth muscle therefore feverfew can also relieve menstrual cramps. Feverfew also acts as an anti-inflammatory, by inhibiting the production of chemicals that cause inflammation, and as a blood thinner, by inhibiting the clotting of platelets. Feverfew is used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and colitis.
Feverfew Supplement Benefits & Varieties
Most feverfew supplements are made of encapsulated dried herb, tincture or loose herb. Better quality supplements are standardized which is an assurance that the product contains feverfew and has some active properties. Feverfew may be found in formulas for migraine relief or inflammation.
Important Considerations & Cautions
Feverfew is not helpful if it is taken only during acute migraine attacks. It may take several weeks of using feverfew before migraines are relieved and a one-month minimum trial is recommended. Abrupt discontinuation of feverfew may result in rebound headaches, nervousness, insomnia, joint pain or stiffness. These withdrawal symptoms are temporary.
Potential Side Effects
Due to feverfew’s blood thinning properties individuals with active bleeding, blood clotting disorders or those who use blood thinners, anti-inflammatories or aspirin-containing products should use caution when taking feverfew.
For the same reason, stop using Feverfew 2 weeks before surgery or dental procedures. Feverfew may stimulate menstruation and should not be used in pregnancy. Feverfew is in the same plant family as ragweed therefore individuals with ragweed allergies should not use feverfew.
Feverfew is my favourite herb for pain relief such as headache, PMS, muscle pains, fever.
Hello Marie,
Indeed, this herb is great for relaxing muscles and relieving pain associated with sore muscles or muscle spasms as well as migraines and headaches. We're glad to hear it's worked well for you and that our articles were able to help!
Keep healthy & carry on!