Willow Older
CONSUMER HEALTH INTERACTIVEBelow:
• What is it good for?
• How does it work?
• How safe is it?
• What's the best way to take it?
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium ), is a relative of the daisy, marigold, and dandelion. The name is derived from the Latin word febrifugia, or fever reducer, and feverfew has been used for that purpose since the first century. Historically, the herb has also been used to treat headache, menstrual irregularity, and stomachache. What is it good for? Some studies indicate that feverfew may help prevent migraines or make them less severe. A 2005 study found that feverfew decreased both the number and frequency of migraines. However, researchers caution that not enough research has been done yet to prove without a doubt that feverfew is effective. How does it work? Researchers used to believe the primary active ingredient in feverfew is a compound called parthenolide. However, newer evidence suggests that other compounds in feverfew help combat migraines. Feverfew extract containing the standard formula of .2 percent parthenolide was not effective in one human trial. How safe is it? Studies show that between 7 and 18 percent of people who chew fresh feverfew leaves develop mouth sores, and a few have also complained of irregular heartbeat, constipation, stomachache, nausea, and dizziness. People sensitive to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow may have an allergic reaction to feverfew. If you have any unpleasant side effects, stop using the herb. Remember that herbs can be powerful drugs and should be taken with caution. Feverfew may interact with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin to increase the risk of internal bleeding. Pregnant and lactating women and young children should not take feverfew. If you're considering using the herb regularly, let your doctor know. What's the best way to take it? If you have no unpleasant reaction, you can simply chew one to four fresh or dried feverfew leaves daily. Look for them in health food stores. If you prefer tablets or capsules, ask an herbalist, naturopath or pharmacist to recommend a reputable brand made with dried feverfew leaves. Feverfew extracts might not work.
References
de Weerdt CJ, Bootsma HPR, Hendriks H. Herbal medicines in migraine prevention; randomised couble-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial of a feverfew preparation. Phytomed 1996;3(3):225-230.
Awang DV. Parthenocide: demise of a facile theory of feverfew activity. J Herbs Spices Med Plants 1998;5:95-8.
Pittler MH, et al. Feverfew for preventing migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(3):CD002286.
Abebe W. Herbal medication: potential for adverse interactions with analgesic drugs. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2002 Dec;27(6):391-401.
Diener HC, et al. Efficacy and safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. feverfew CO2-extract (M16-99) in migraine prevention: a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled study. Cephalagia: An International Journal of Headache. 2005 Nov; 25(11): 1031-1041.
Reviewed by Forrest Batz, Pharm.D., an assistant clinical professor at UCSF's school of pharmacy and a consultant in natural medicines based in Santa Rosa, California.
First published September 3, 1998
Last updated January 23, 2008
Copyright © 1998 Consumer Health Interactive and OneBody, Inc.
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