Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew is part of the daisy family. It has been used since the 1st century to relieve migraine headaches, stomach aches, inflammation, menstrual irregularities, and fevers. In the history of Greek medicine, feverfew was used for menstrual cramps and inflammation. Feverfew used to be consumed in the form of whole dried leaves or as tea, but now it is available in capsule form. The active component of feverfew has been identified as parthenolide.
Claimed Health Benefits
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Stops or lessens the severity of migraine headaches
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May reduce arthritis pain through its action as an anti-inflammatory
Food Sources
None
Dose
25-125 mg feverfew leaf per day containing at least 0.2 mg parthenolide (0.2-0.9%)
It is important to take feverfew to prevent a migraine instead of taking it while experiencing a migraine
Evidence for Health Benefits
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Both laboratory and clinical studies have shown that feverfew can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Feverfew can also help prevent migraines by preventing an overload of serotonin release from platelets, which is thought to be a primary cause of migraines.
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A study involving subjects who frequently suffer from migraines, looked at the effects of taking 80 mg of feverfew per day for one month. One-fourth of the subjects experienced a reduction in the number of migraine headaches and a reduction in nausea and vomiting that accompanied the headaches.
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In another study with subjects consuming 100 mg dried feverfew leaves for 60 days, subjects experienced a decrease in migraine intensity.
Cautions
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Many clinical studies have shown various side effects including dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and gastrointestinal pain.
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Women who are pregnant, breast feeding, or individuals who are sensitive to plants from the same family (ragweed and chamomile) should avoid taking feverfew.
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Feverfew should not be used with other blood thinning medications.
Reference
1. Healthnotes, Inc. (2003) Helping People Lead Healthier Lives. http://www.healthwell.com/healthnotes/healthnotes.cfm?ContentID=2091005 Accessed October 17, 2003.
2. SupplementWatch, Inc. (2002) Supplement Decisions Made Easy. http://www.supplementwatch.com/supatoz/supplement.asp?supplementId=122 Accessed June 6, 2003.