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Feverfew - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:
Featherfoil, Midsummer daisy, Bachelor's buttons,
Altamisa, Chamomile grande, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Febrifuge plant, Midsummer daisy, Mutterkraut, Nosebleed, Wild chamomile, Wild quinine .
Herb Description
Feverfew
Feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium ) is a herbaceous perennial which is deep-rooted to southwest Europe and was brought to America originally as an ornamental.It is a member of the sunflower family .It is commercially cultured in Africa,Japan and Europe .Feverfew reaches up to 60 cm in height, with a downy erect stem. The leaves are yellowish-green in color ,ovate ,downy with short hairs, alternate, stalked and nearly smooth-about 4 1/2 inches long & 2 inches pinnately parted with an entire or crenate margin. The whole herb has a strong and bitter odor, and is normally disliked by bees. A double variety is cultivated in gardens for ornamental values.The bright yellow and white blossoms of this flower, produce a powerful smell that was once thought to purify the air and prevent disease.
The herb has a long history of use in folk & traditional medicine as a remedy for disorders often reduce by aspirin, such as fever, headaches and few of the accompanying symptoms such as depression & nausea . European & Greek herbalists traditionally used it to ebb fevers. As its common name imply's, it was once popular for reducing fever .Feverfew has also been used as a treatment for headaches , arthritis and digestive problems. Scientific studies has supported the use of feverfew as a remedy for migraine headaches .Feverfew have chemicals include parthenolide and tanetin , both of which work effectively to mitigate migraine. Feverfew is not a treatment for acute migraine attacks.
Properties
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Migraine prophylactic.
- Vasodilatory.
- Antirheumatic.
- Febrifuge.
- Digestive bitter.
- Anthelmintic.
- Uterine stimulant .
Uses and Benefits
Historically this herb has been used as treatment for inflammation, headache and as a general substitute for ailments cured with aspirin & also for r psoriasis, toothache, rheumatism, asthma, and stomach ache.
Feverfew has been used to stimulate appetite, and improve digestion and kidney function. A decoction with honey or sugar is said to be efficacious for wheezing ,coughs and breathing difficulty. The herb, heated & bruised , or fried with a small amount of wine and oil, has been used as a warm external application for wind and colic.
Scientific studies have shown the use of feverfew may ebb the frequency and severity of headaches. It may be more efficacious than other NSAIDS (nonsteroidal antiinflammatories) , like aspirin. Its other benefits are it reduce blood pressure, less stomach irritation and a renewed sense of well-being.
Feverfew's tincture is effective when used locally immediately relieves the pain and swelling produced by bites of insects and vermin. It is used to treat menstrual irregularities & also abortive , prophylactic treatment for migraine headache.
Side Effects
Pregnant women should not use the feverfew during pregnancy and breast-feeding due to the risk of birth defects or spontaneous abortion .Feverfew may inflame menstruation.
Young leaves eating may cause mouth ulcers or experienced loss of taste in some people.
A 'post feverfew syndrome' has been identified in long-term users who suddenly discontinue use of feverfew. It contains a rebound of migraine disorders, insomnia, anxiety, myalgias, and arthralgias . The most frequent of the adverse effects, and usually only experienced by long-term users are mouth ulceration and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Feverfew can include few side effects are:
- Abdominal pain.
- Vomiting.
- Indigestion.
- Flatulence.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea.
- Nervousness.
- Mouth ulcers.
- Loss of taste.
- Swelling of the lips.
- Swelling of the tongue.
- Swelling of the mouth.
Dosage
- Dried herb:
50 to 200 mg, as capsules or tablets . Use two times a day.
- Tincture:
1:5 in 25% alcohol, 5 to 20 drops . Use two times a day.
Drug Interactions
Feverfew can play a role in blood clotting , so persons using blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and warfarin should consult a healthcare practitioner before using this herb.
Based on scientific studies the results has been suggested that feverfew could worsen symptoms of depression or mitigate the action of antidepressants such as fluoxetine .
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