Feverfew
Important Disclaimer
This is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any remedy, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or managing a health condition.
Overview
Feverfew is a bushy perennial herb with small daisy-like white flowers and strongly aromatic, bitter leaves. Native to the Balkans and now naturalized throughout Europe and North America, feverfew has been used medicinally for centuries. It gained significant scientific attention in the 1970s and 1980s when clinical studies confirmed its effectiveness for migraine prevention. Parthenolide, its primary active compound, inhibits platelet aggregation and prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the frequency and severity of migraines.
Traditional Use
Feverfew has been used in European herbal medicine since ancient Greece. Dioscorides recommended it for "all hot inflammations." In medieval Europe, it was used for fevers (hence the name), headaches, and menstrual irregularities. John Parkinson's 1640 herbal described it as useful for "all pains in the head." In the 1970s, a Welsh doctor's wife reportedly cured her migraines by eating feverfew leaves daily, sparking scientific interest. Subsequent clinical trials in the 1980s confirmed its effectiveness for migraine prevention, leading to widespread modern use.
Key Active Compounds
Parthenolide
The primary sesquiterpene lactone responsible for feverfew's anti-migraine effects. Inhibits platelet aggregation, reduces prostaglandin synthesis, and blocks serotonin release from platelets — all mechanisms involved in migraine pathophysiology.
Chrysanthenyl Acetate
A volatile oil contributing to feverfew's anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Flavonoids (Luteolin, Apigenin)
Anti-inflammatory flavonoids that complement parthenolide's effects and provide antioxidant protection.
Melatonin
Feverfew contains small amounts of melatonin, which may contribute to its effects on sleep and headache prevention.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Migraine prevention
Moderate evidenceMultiple randomized controlled trials show feverfew significantly reduces migraine frequency (by 24-32%) and severity when taken daily as a preventive. Most effective for prevention rather than acute treatment.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Moderate evidenceParthenolide inhibits NF-kB, a key inflammatory pathway, and reduces prostaglandin synthesis. May benefit inflammatory conditions including arthritis and fever.
Menstrual pain relief
Traditional useTraditionally used to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual cramping through its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fever reduction
Traditional useHistorical use as a febrifuge (fever reducer), though modern use focuses primarily on migraine prevention.
Common Preparation Methods
Fresh Leaf (Traditional)
Eat 2-3 fresh feverfew leaves daily (sandwich between bread to reduce bitterness). This is the traditional method used in clinical studies.
Dosage: 2-3 leaves daily (approximately 125mg parthenolide)Very bitter taste. Eating with food reduces mouth ulcer risk.
Standardized Capsules
Take standardized feverfew capsules containing at least 0.2% parthenolide. Most effective for migraine prevention.
Dosage: 50-150mg daily of standardized extractAllow 4-6 weeks for full preventive effect. Do not stop abruptly.
Tincture
Use a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol. Take 1-2 ml three times daily.
Dosage: 1-2 ml, 3 times dailyLess standardized than capsules; ensure product specifies parthenolide content.
Safety & Cautions
Please read carefully before use
Contraindications
- Allergy to Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, daisies)
- Pregnancy: AVOID — may stimulate uterine contractions and cause miscarriage
- Breastfeeding: avoid
- Children under 2: avoid
- Blood clotting disorders: consult healthcare provider
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants (warfarin, aspirin): may increase bleeding risk
- NSAIDs: may have additive anti-inflammatory effects
- Triptans (migraine medications): consult healthcare provider before combining
Possible Side Effects
- Mouth ulcers and tongue inflammation (especially with fresh leaves)
- Digestive upset (nausea, abdominal pain)
- Post-feverfew syndrome on abrupt discontinuation (rebound headaches, anxiety, insomnia)
- Rare allergic reactions
Special Populations
- Pregnancy: AVOID
- Breastfeeding: avoid
- Pre-surgery: discontinue 2 weeks before (antiplatelet effects)
- Anticoagulant users: monitor closely
Sources & References
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Biochemical Pharmacology
NCCIH
Quick Reference
Asteraceae
Leaves, Flowers, Aerial parts
Very bitter, pungent, aromatic
Safety First
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new remedy, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.