Feverfew's Medicinal Marvel: Unveiling the Science Behind its Benefits

Feverfew, a plant belonging to the same family as sunflowers and daisies, has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. Recently, scientists have sought to explain why feverfew is so beneficial for health. It has the potential to alleviate migraines and inflammation, making it a valuable natural remedy. Read on to learn how feverfew could help you, how to take it, and potential side effects.

What is feverfew?

Feverfew, scientifically known as Tanacetum parthenium, belongs to the daisy or sunflower family of plants. It holds a profound history as a medicinal herb, and it is a potential solution for various health issues, particularly migraines. Originally from West Asia, feverfew has spread globally due to its recognized healing properties.

Dating back to the first century, feverfew gained prominence through the practices of Dioscorides, a significant physician renowned for his contributions to medicine and pharmacology. Dioscorides recognized feverfew's potential for reducing fevers and as a remedy for pain relief. The term feverfew derives from the Latin word "febrifuge," directly translating to "fever reducer."

Feverfew's health benefits and its use to address health issues persist to this day, particularly its effectiveness for pain relief and its potential to prevent migraines. Compared to the time of Dioscorides, we now possess an abundance of preliminary scientific research supporting feverfew's uses. However, the scientific community still has a substantial task ahead to fully validate the effectiveness of this exquisite flower.

Benefits of feverfew

Across the ages, feverfew has served as a remedy for a diverse range of health conditions, stretching from fever reduction and alleviating inflammatory issues, to combatting worms, kidney pain, and even countering opium overdose. However, the scientific investigation into the validity of these traditional and ancient applications brings nuanced insight.

While much of the data remains in its early stages, the scientific literature offers promising glimpses. Feverfew shows potential as a treatment for migraines, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a pain reliever. As ongoing research unfolds, the veracity of these claims becomes clearer, marking a path toward harnessing feverfew's versatile properties.

Migraine relief

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and other symptoms. Unlike regular headaches, migraines can last longer and significantly impact daily life.

Feverfew's potential for migraine relief has gained attention through clinical studies. In a notable case from 1978, an individual found complete relief from migraines with feverfew use.

Recent rigorous trials, such as one involving 218 participants, revealed that feverfew reduced monthly migraine attacks by 1.9 compared to a placebo's 1.3 reduction. While some research demonstrates that feverfew users experienced fewer headaches compared to a placebo, its impact may vary among people, with some studies showing no significant advantage over a placebo in reducing migraine frequency, severity, or symptoms.

In Canada, the feverfew species Tanacetum parthenium is officially recognized for migraine prevention as an over-the-counter medication, with a recommended daily dose of 125 mg of dried feverfew leaf containing 0.2% parthenolide.

While promising, more research is needed to fully understand feverfew's effectiveness for migraines.

Inflammation reduction

Feverfew has multiple methods for reducing inflammation. It interrupts a process that triggers inflammation signals and even hinders the production of certain inflammation-causing molecules. Parthenolide, a vital player in feverfew, steps in to block these signals. Additionally, feverfew can halt the formation of molecules responsible for pain and swelling.

In essence, the various components of feverfew collaborate to combat inflammation within our bodies. As a result, this plant shows potential in alleviating headaches and other types of discomfort.

Potential for rheumatoid arthritis

Feverfew was studied for its impact on rheumatoid arthritis. In a scientific test, 41 women with this condition took either a fake pill or feverfew (70–86 mg) for six weeks. Only the feverfew group showed a notable improvement in grip strength. Feverfew also seems to slow down ICAM-1, which is connected to rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests that feverfew might help people with this condition feel better.

Soothing skin

Feverfew extracts could also calm inflammation in the skin by slowing down certain enzymes released by cells. This connects with how people used feverfew in the past for psoriasis, hinting at its potential as a natural way to help with this skin problem.

Fighting cancer

Feverfew has the potential to fight cancer. One way it does this is by interfering with the growth of DNA through a special compound called parthenolide. Studies have shown that parthenolide and similar parts in feverfew can battle against different cancer cells and slow their growth. As demonstrated in one study, parthenolide can potentially team up with treatments like paclitaxel to make it work better. This suggests that feverfew might be a helpful ally in the fight against cancer.

How to take feverfew

Feverfew can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or freeze-dried. When growing feverfew, consider the species you select, as they are not created equally in the medicinal world.

If cultivating isn't your cup of tea, feverfew is available in different supplement forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts or tinctures.

Recommended dosage:

When consuming drops, use a 1:1 fluid extract or a 1:5 tincture (1 gram of feverfew in 1 ml or 5 ml of liquid). Look for supplements with 0.2–0.4% parthenolide content for clinical effectiveness. Keep in mind that specific dosing is still being established through ongoing research.

What to consider before taking feverfew

Feverfew, while generally considered safe, is not without its potential risks and considerations. Before using feverfew, it is vital to be aware of potential side effects and situations where it should be avoided.

Potential side effects

Like any herbal remedy, feverfew can lead to certain side effects in some individuals.

• Gastrointestinal distress. Some people may experience stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when taking feverfew.
• Mouth ulcers. Feverfew can occasionally cause mouth sores or ulcers.
• Allergic reactions. Allergic responses, including skin rashes, itching, and swelling, are possible in sensitive individuals.
• "Postfeverfew" syndrome. Stopping feverfew after long-term use might trigger nervous system reactions, joint and muscle stiffness, and other symptoms.

When to avoid feverfew

There are situations where it's best to avoid feverfew, such as:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Feverfew may stimulate the uterus and should be avoided during pregnancy. It's also not recommended while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
• Allergic reactions. If you're allergic to plants like ragweed, marigolds, or daisies, you might have a higher risk of an allergic reaction to feverfew.
• Blood-thinning medications. Feverfew could potentially interact with blood-thinning medications, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

Tips for taking feverfew

If you are considering taking feverfew, keep these things in mind:

1. Dosage and standardization. While feverfew holds promise, there isn't a one-size-fits-all dosage established. For migraines, it's often used preventively. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on appropriate dosing.
2. Individual variability. Responses to feverfew can vary among individuals, so closely monitor your body's reaction and discontinue use if adverse effects occur.
3. Consultation. Before adding feverfew to your health regimen, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Incorporating feverfew into your health regimen can potentially offer a natural approach to managing certain conditions. As you explore this herbal remedy, remember that being well-informed and consulting with a healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision about using feverfew while ensuring your safety. Embark on a journey towards improved well-being by combining traditional remedies with modern medical guidance.