Scientific/Latin Name: Tanacetum parthenium
Place of Origin: Eastern Europe
Commonly thought of: As it's name suggests, for fevers.
Past Uses: Fevers, various aches (Stomach, tooth, head), insect bites, infertility, female problems (Menstruation, child birth)
Parts Used: The aerial (above ground parts) are commonly used. Typically the leaves and occasionally the flowers and stems are used dried to make capsules, tablets, and liquid extract. The leaves are sometimes eaten fresh.
Active Constituents: Contains an anti-inflammatory called Parthenolide, which is believed to also have anti-cancer properties. However after further study we are unsure what gives Feverfew it's medicinal properties.
Medicinal uses: Newer uses include migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, vomiting, and nausea. While it has been used for these purposes, there is very little research to say just how effective feverfew is at treating these medical issues. There are some studies that suggest it can help relieve migraines, and some that say it can help with mild rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. While it was once used to treat fevers, it was found to not be very effective for that purpose.
Usually used as: Capsules, tablets, liquid extract
Dosage:
"Pediatric
Don’t give feverfew to children under 2.
For older children, ask your doctor whether feverfew is safe for your child. Your doctor will determine the right dose.
Adult
For migraine headaches: Studies have used 50 - 100 mg daily, standardized to contain 0.2 - 0.35% parthenolides. Feverfew may be used to prevent or stop a migraine headache. Feverfew supplements may also be carbon dioxide extracted. For these, one study used 6.25 mg, 3 times daily, for up to 16 weeks"
-University of Maryland Medical Center
Growing/Wildcrafting: It grows in North America, however it is more common to find it in Eastern Europe and is more commonly grown instead of wild crafted in the U.S.
Cautions: Taking feverfew one might experience, abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea vomiting, and nervousness. People taking it fresh have reported mouth sores, loss of taste, swelling of the lips, tongue, and mouth. Like all herbs allergic reaction may occur, people with allergies to ragweed, chamomile, or yarrow should not take feverfew. Do not take feverfew if you are on blood-thinners as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant women or women who are nursing and children under the age of two should not take feverfew. While taking feverfew it is important that you do not stop taking it abruptly if you've already been taking it for more than a week. It can cause returning migraines, fatigue, muscle stiffness, anxiety, and joint pain.
Extra Notes:
"During the Middle Ages, people believed that feverfew can clean the air and protect against plague, malaria and bite of mad dogs."
| "Fresh leaves and stem of feverfew are used as a source of light yellow-green pigment that can be used for the coloring of wool." | ||
| "Flowers of feverfew emit strong, pungent odor that repels bees. They can be used as insect repellent in the gardens." | ||
| "Feverfew is perennial plant that can survive more than 2 years in the wild" |
Where to find Recipes:
"Feverfew Tincture
Ingredients:
Herbs, fresh or dried
Alcohol, vodka or Everclear
*DO NOT use rubbing alcohol*
Directions:
For fresh herbs, chop plant material (stems and leaves) and flowers.
Fill your jar. For dried herbs, fill half of your jar.
Add enough alcohol to your jar to cover the herbs, plus another inch. I prefer Everclear, especially for fresh herbs. Cover with a lid. Shake every other day.
Label your jar with date and ingredients. Place in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Once your tincture is ready, strain through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into a dark (amber) jar. If you do not have a dark jar, leave in a dark place."
-Back to the Basics -- Website Link
How to make Preparations: Typical preparations use dried herb, either put in capsules, made into tablets, or made into liquid extract by either essential oil, or tincture.
Sources:
"Feverfew." NCCIH. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Apr. 2012. Web. 23 June 2015. -- Website Link
Ehrlich, Steven D., NMD. "Feverfew." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland, 7 May 2013. Web. 23 June 2015.-- Website Link
This is also a good source of information for those of you putting together your Materia Medica (← Find out how to make your own on the side bar page titled "Materia Medica").
~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)
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