Herbal Monograph: Feverfew

Get migraines? Try this herb!

Common Name: Feverfew

Other Names: Bachelor’s Buttons, Featherfew, Flirtwort

Latin Name: Tanacetum parthenium

Origin: Native to Southeastern Europe, Feverfew is now widespread throughout Europe, North America, and Australia.

Herbal Actions:

Anti-inflammatory, Antimigraine, Digestive stimulant, Emmenagogue.

Ayurveda Doshas:

Primarily Pitta and Kapha balancing; can increase Vata if taken in excess.

Description:

Feverfew is a perennial plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae). It has small yellow-green leaves that are finely dissected into numerous segments of irregular shape and size. The plant blooms between July and October with a single layer of white petals surrounding a yellow disk.

Common Uses:

• Migraine relief: Traditionally used for preventing migraine headaches.

• Arthritis: Can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

• Menstrual discomfort: May lessen menstrual cramps.

• Digestive aid: Stimulates appetite and aids digestion.

How to Use:

Dried feverfew leaves can be used to make tea by steeping 1-2 teaspoons in boiling water for 10 minutes. The tea can be consumed up to three times daily. Alternatively, feverfew can be purchased as capsules or tablets; follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage.

Feverfew is also available as an extract or tincture which can be applied topically or added to bathwater for skin-related benefits. For topical use always dilute it properly before applying on skin and avoid sensitive areas.

Please note that the bitter taste of feverfew may not be pleasing to all individuals when consumed as a tea or chewed fresh.

Cautions:

Overuse of Feverfew might lead to mouth ulcers or gastrointestinal distress. Pregnant women should not use feverfew because it could trigger contractions prematurely causing miscarriage.

People who are allergic to other members of the daisy family (such as chamomile, ragweed) may also have an allergic response to feverfew.

If you’re planning on stopping its use after long-term consumption, taper off gradually instead of abruptly stopping consumption as sudden cessation might trigger rebound headaches especially in migraine sufferers.

Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal remedies, especially if you’re already on medication, because this herb might interfere with how some medicines work. Feverfew can increase the chances of adverse effects with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs due its potential anticoagulant properties.

Counterindications:

Feverfew should not be used by individuals who are allergic to plants from the Asteraceae/Compositae family like chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies etc. It’s also contraindicated in people undergoing surgery due given its mild blood-thinning effects. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using this herb due its emmenagogic effect which could stimulate uterine contractions possibly leading to premature labor or miscarriage.

Feverfew for Migraines

Feverfew, botanically known as Tanacetum parthenium, is a perennial plant belonging to the daisy family. It’s native to Asia Minor and the Balkans but now grows throughout Europe, North America, and South America. The name feverfew derives from the Latin word febrifugia, meaning “fever reducer.”

Although its use dates back centuries as a traditional medicine for ailments such as inflammation, arthritis, and menstrual discomforts, the plant has gained significant attention for its potential in treating migraines.

Understanding Migraines

Migraine is not just a severe headache; it’s a complex neurological condition typically characterized by excruciatingly painful headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. It can last from 4 hours up to 3 days and can be so debilitating that it interferes with daily activities.

The exact cause of migraines remains unknown, but it’s believed that they result from abnormal brain activity altering nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain. Migraine triggers are diverse; including hormonal changes, certain food items or additives, dehydrations stress among many others.

Vestibular Migraines

Vestibular migraines, also known as migrainous vertigo, are a type of migraine that may or may not cause a headache, but are primarily characterized by problems with balance and dizziness. Symptoms can include vertigo (a sensation of spinning), unsteadiness or problems with coordination, problems with vision such as blurriness or sensitivity to bright lights, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and cognitive changes like confusion or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms are usually temporary but can be quite debilitating.

The exact causes of vestibular migraines are not fully understood but they seem to be related to the interplay between nerves in the brain and ear. Treatment often involves lifestyle changes, medications for acute attacks, and preventive medications for those who have more frequent symptoms. Feverfew may also help with vestibular migraines.

Feverfew in Traditional Medicine

Historically used by the Greeks to treat inflammation and menstrual cramps, feverfew became popular in Britain in the 1980s as a preventive treatment for migraines. Its active ingredients include parthenolide and other sesquiterpene lactones which are believed to inhibit prostaglandins, substances that contribute to pain and inflammation.

Clinical Evidence

One prominent study published in The Lancet demonstrated that patients who had taken dried leaf capsules of feverfew daily experienced significantly fewer migraines compared with those who received placebo treatments.

The study was random, double-blind, and placebo-controlled, meaning some people were given a capsule of dried feverfew leaves, while others received a harmless pill with no feverfew for four months. After this period, the groups switched. They kept track of how often and how severe their migraine attacks were over every two-month period. Out of 72 participants, 60 completed the study with full information available for 59. The results showed that taking feverfew reduced the average number and severity of migraines in each two-month span and also decreased vomiting during these attacks; however, it didn’t change the length of each migraine attack. There were no serious side effects associated with using feverfew.

However, scientific research on feverfew’s effectiveness against migraines has yielded mixed results. Several studies suggest it may help prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine headaches while others do not show any benefit.

The problem with clinical studies is that they are focused on one-size-fits-all. For those who get relief from feverfew, it can be a lifesaver. Here are some reviews of feverfew from WebMD:

I can truly say, I have a new life. I can't say I have it back, since I never was without migraines since the age of 11 and I'm 34 now. So this has been a life changing experience. After suffering excruciating migraines for 23 years, the attacks started to become more and more frequent and untreatable even though I kept away from overuse of painkillers to avoid worsening the problem. Still they peaked to at least 3, 3 days attacks a month and many more days with 'normal' migraines. The rest of the days you're just recuperating. I decided there was no other way but to try the preventative medicines, but I was very reluctant because of all the side effects I read about concerning the chemical ones. In my research I came across the herb Feverfew and decided to give it one last try. That month I started was my last 3 day episode. Since 3 months now, I'm almost completely migraine free. Maybe 1 or 2 minor ones a month from almost daily. Besides, they've greatly reduced in pain and severity and respond to normal painkillers (no triptans) for the first time in my life. I know this won't happen for everyone, but you could always try. I'm so grateful and happy to have a changed life after all the pain and misery. Everyone who's been there, knows. I have my miracle.

Here’s another review:

I used to get severe migraines that kept me in bed for up to 2 days 4 to 5 times a year. I heard about Feverfew and decided to try it. I took 2 380mg capsules for 30 days and got nearly immediate relief. Reduced dosage to 380mg once a day and have been taking that same dosage for over 25 years. Have only had a couple in all that time and not bad enough to keep from daily activity. I would recommend this to anybody!

Other Natural Supplements for Migraine Relief

While it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, several natural supplements have been studied for their potential benefits in preventing or relieving migraines. Here are some that have shown promise:

1. Magnesium: This essential mineral plays a key role in nerve transmission. Some studies suggest that regular intake of magnesium can reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.

2. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): High doses of this vitamin may help prevent migraines by improving energy production in cells, although more research is needed.

3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is a substance that helps generate energy in cells and some studies suggest it may be beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.

4. Butterbur: Butterbur extract has been found effective at reducing the frequency of migraines in some people when taken over three to four months.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, these healthy fats found in fish oil are being explored for potential benefits against migraines.

6. Melatonin: A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles might improve sleep quality and reduce migraine frequency.

Remember that while these supplements may help some individuals manage their symptoms, they may not work for everyone and could potentially interact with other medications or conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine.