Feverfew

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What does Feverfew do?

Feverfew is a medicinal herb that is popular today as a treatment for migraine headaches. Feverfew is also used to help relieve allergies, arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Long term use may provide relief from depression, nausea, and pain associated with the above illnesses. It has been used for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, and to reduce lochia. Externally, it has traditionally been used as an antiseptic for wounds, inflammation, and as mouthwash.. It can be taken in capsules, pills, teas, tinctures, and externally as a wash, tincture or ointment. It is usually advisable to purchase a standardized version of one of these unless buying the raw herb.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Feverfew?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Feverfew usage may be contraindicated: A tendency towards allergic reactions to other medicines, herbs , foods, dyes, or preservatives If you are taking antithrombotic medication s.c. as aspirin or warfarin

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Feverfew?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant (Feverfew is reported to have emmenagogue effects) Breast-feeding If you plan to administer this herb to a child

How should I take this herb?

Take Feverfew in capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. It is thought by some that Feverfew is best taken as a tea made from the fresh herb. For the best bioavailability and if you have a sensitive stomach, it is often recommended that you take Feverfew as a tea, tincture, or infusion. You can take Feverfew with or without food. Externally, Feverfew is usually applied as a wash made from an infusion of the herb. However, it can also be applied as a tincture or ointment depending on the application.

What should the dosage be?

It is usually recommended that the daily dosage for an adult should be a tea made from 2 teaspoons powder or one leaf of the fresh herb per cup hot water, steeped 25 minutes and taken three times a day. . In a capsule (freeze-dried powder) or tincture- a standardized extract of Feverfew @ 50-120mg a day. Externally: Applied as a wash made from an infusion of the fresh herb or powder. Amounts used in the infusion are usually double those taken internally and applied 1-3x daily or as needed.

What side effects may I notice from taking Feverfew?

Side effects from correctly administered Feverfew usage are thought to be rare. If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Mouth ulcerations (it has been reported that in the first week of usage 6-15% of users may exhibit this side effect.) Gastric disturbances (it has been reported that in the first week of usage 6-15% of users may exhibit this side effect.) Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Rash

What do I need to watch out for with Feverfew?

Read labels carefully before purchasing. There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients (the herbs active constituents) needed to be of any therapeutic value. Unless utilizing the raw herb, buying a standardized product may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts. Feverfew looks remarkably like Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and the two have been confused in the past. Care should be taken if wild harvesting or buying the raw herb, that the correct herb has been identified.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about Feverfew?

Feverfew is originally indigenous to SouthEast Europe but now grows throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States. As a folk remedy it has a long history of usage both in the treatment of headaches and as a tonic for the uterus. It has been used to stimulate menstruation and to help in the expulsion of the placenta during childbirth. Other references have also noted its application as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and in the treatment of fevers, and rheumatism. It is an aromatic perennial that can grow in almost any soil condition but prefers sunny locations. It grows up to 6 inches high. It has many ovate caline leaves that grow low to the ground and which have 3-7 oblong-elliptical to ovate segments. They are yellow/green and crenate or entire-margined. Its flowers are small, white and look very much like another herb, roman chamomile.

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Generally, Feverfew is thought to reduce the secretion of the granular contents from platelets and neutrophils in the blood. It slows prostaglandin synthesis and the release of histamines. It may inhibit the release of serotonin from thrombocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. It acts as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and has demonstrated emmenagogue effects.

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