Feverfew
what is feverfew?
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a perennial plant belonging to the daisy family which grows in much of Europe, North America and Canada. It has been used in herbal remedies for centuries.
Why do people use herbal remedies?
You may decide to turn to herbal remedies to help control your migraines because: you feel you have run out of options with conventional medicine; herbal remedies will be “more natural” or you feel they are simply more helpful and appropriate for your condition.
Can feverfew help with migraine?
Feverfew is used as a preventative (or prophylactic) treatment for migraine. The review concluded that trial results were mixed and did not establish that feverfew is more effective than placebo for the prevention of migraine. The safety of this and other herbal products is unknown.
How should I take feverfew?
The freeze dried capsules are generally recommended because the teas and fresh leaves have a bitter taste and may irritate your mouth. The scientific research conducted so far has been done using the freeze dried capsules.
Does feverfew have any side effects?
Feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy as it can cause contractions. As feverfew is similar to aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibruprofen, it is probably best not to take both at the same time.
Some people who have suddenly stopped taking it after several years have experienced a return of their previous level of migraines along with other symptoms such as nausea, anxiety and insomnia. This is known as “feverfew rebound syndrome”.
As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult your own doctor or herbalist before starting treatment.
