Feverfew is a long-lived, herbaceous perennial. It has been traditionally used for the treatment of headaches and fevers for over 2000 years. Modern research has even shown it as an effective treatment for migraines and as a mild anti-inflammatory.
Growing to a small flowering bush of around 4 feet tall makes this a wonderful addition to your garden.
Feverfew belongs to the Asteraceae family. Notable members of this family are:
- Aster
- Daisy
- Sunflower
- Chamomile
- Calendula
- Gerbera
Feverfew is also known as “wild chamomile”.
Chamomile also has some of the active compounds as feverfew, though in lesser concentrations.
What is it used for?
Fevers
Headache
Migraine
Arthritis
What part is used?
Leaf
Notice
This information is not to be confused for medical advice. I am no professional, and this is for informational purposes only. As always, seek medical advice before using any of these herbs.
Dosage Information
- Dosage for the treatment of migraine headaches is established at:
- 50-150 mg dried leaf, or
- 2.5 fresh leaves
- Should be taken with or immediately after food
- You can dose these out in capsules, brew into a tea, or just add them to a salad
Concerns, Side Effects, & Interactions
- May increase the risk of bleeding in people who take Blood Thinners (warfarin, Plavix, aspirin, etc)
- Pregnant and Nursing women should not use feverfew
- Chewing Feverfew can possibly cause sores to develop in the mouth or stomach. Dried leaves are preferred
- Using topically may cause some skin irritation
- People sensitive to ragweed may also show an allergic reaction to feverfew
- stop using fever 2 weeks before surgery because it may prevent blood clotting.