Feverfew is a medicinal herb reputed to relieve fever and migraine throughout the centuries. This perennial plant has taken on a vernacular name that means antipyretic, in other words one that reduces fever, dating back to Greek antiquity. It is an indigenous flora of the eastern part of Europe, the Balkan Peninsula and neighboring regions. Now it is grown in the rest of continental Europe and North America, but can also be traced as far down south as Chile. Botanically identified as Tanacetum parthenium, it may be more commonly known everywhere else as Chrysanthemum parthenium or Pyrethrum parthenium used in varying health practices to aid recurrent headaches and migraine attacks.

Historical Uses

The English word feverfew was first used to refer to an herb of the composite family called Tanacetum parthenium as early as the 15th century, deriving from a Latin word translated as reducer of fever. While it was widely cultivated for its ornamental flowers in decorating lawns and gardens, it had been a part of a long tradition in folk medicine, most notably practiced by early Greek physicians not only to reduce fever but also to treat mental disorders like melancholia, also known as depression. Originating from Europe, it is now commercially grown in the other parts of the world, including Japan and Africa. Once planted it spreads to a wide area after a couple of years and can become quite invasive, explaining its continuing growth in the wild.

Medicinal Properties

There are now researches well underway that further to explain how it exactly helps during increased body temperatures and at the onset of migraine, but for now it is enough proof to its medicinal use that feverfew has consistently exhibited therapeutic and healing effects. Preliminary results point to active hydrocarbon compounds now identified as parthenolide occurring in high concentrations in the flowers and fruits of Feverfew. These compounds have been repeatedly noted for its effects against hyperalgesia, the increased sensitivity of the human body to pain. Though not concluded as yet, pain brought about by migraines is commonly linked to the production of prostaglandins and the release of serotonins in the body. Compounds in feverfew inhibit the production of these chemicals, relieving migraine to that effect.

Feverfew Preparations

In the old times, herbalists advised feverfew be chewed fresh and ingested. Today feverfew comes in teas, pills, and other powder forms. These supplements and medications are extracted from the leaves, which are dried first to get rid of irritants. Feverfew capsules and tablets generally contain parthenolide doses varying from 200 up to 250 micrograms, reported to bring relief from migraine. However, it is a must to get properly diagnosed by a physician to determine possible allergic reactions prior to taking any pharmacological forms of feverfew, including pills. It is also prepared as teas with no known adverse affects.

Feverfew is available in capsule, tablet, liquid extract, and bulk powder forms at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands of feverfew to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase for internal consumption.