Feverfew: Unveiling Its Health Benefits, Uses, and Delectable Recipes

(tanacetum parthenium)

Feverfew is a member of the chrysanthemum family, native to southern Europe. Today is grows all over Europe, the UK and North America. It has masses of white and yellow flowers which resemble daisies. The leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Feverfew was mentioned in Greek medical literature as a remedy for inflammation and for menstrual discomforts. Traditional herbalists used it to treat fevers, rheumatism, and other aches and pains.

What it does

Feverfew mainly contains a compound call parthenolide which anti-inflammatory and blood thinning properties as well as being able to reduce serotonin levels in the brain. Feverfew has been used both traditionally and in scientific research as an effective remedy for migraine headaches. It also shows benefit in helping reduce arthritis pain. As the name suggests, feverfew has been used as a traditional remedy for lowering fevers – an effect primarily due to inhibiting the activity of certain prostaglandins.

Potential Uses

Benefits of Feverfew:

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a herb celebrated for its numerous health benefits:

1. Migraine Relief: Feverfew is renowned for its potential to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, offering relief to sufferers.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: It contains compounds that may help alleviate inflammation, making it potentially beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
3. Digestive Health: Feverfew may support healthy digestion and alleviate symptoms like indigestion and bloating.
4. Menstrual Discomfort: Some studies suggest that Feverfew may help ease symptoms of menstrual discomfort, such as cramps and headaches.

Medical Uses of Feverfew:

1. Migraine Prevention: Feverfew’s potential to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines makes it a popular natural remedy for migraine sufferers.
2. Arthritis Management: Its anti-inflammatory properties may aid in reducing joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis.

Recipes Using Feverfew:

1. Feverfew Infused Oil:

   • Ingredients: Carrier oil (like olive or almond oil), dried Feverfew leaves.
   • Instructions: Combine dried Feverfew leaves with carrier oil. Let it infuse for several weeks, then strain. Use as a massage oil for pain relief.

2. Feverfew Tea Blend:

   • Ingredients: Dried Feverfew leaves, chamomile flowers, lemon balm leaves.
   • Instructions: Blend dried Feverfew leaves with chamomile and lemon balm for a soothing herbal tea that may aid in headache relief.

3. Feverfew and Ginger Tincture:

   • Ingredients: Dried Feverfew leaves, fresh ginger, high-proof alcohol (like vodka).
   • Instructions: Combine dried Feverfew leaves and ginger with alcohol in a glass jar. Seal and let it infuse for several weeks, then strain. Take as directed for potential migraine relief.

Other information

Feverfew has been used for migraine for over 300 years in the UK. Herbalists also use it for arthritis and painful periods.

Cautions

Do not use in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Feverfew should not be used by children under 12 except under supervision of a qualified herbalist.

If you are taking blood thinning medication (warfarin etc), check with your doctor before taking feverfew.

Generally, there are no side effects or contra-indications from using feverfew.

At the time of writing there were no well known negative drug interactions with feverfew.