Tanacetum parthenium/ Chrysanthemum parthenium (Compositae)

FEVERFEW, FEATHERFEW, BACHELOR'S BUTTONS

The whole herb has recently been rediscovered as a preventive treatment for migraine. It is also given in herbal medicine for arthritis, painful periods, and after childbirth to help restore the womb.

Folk medicine used this herb for many conditions; today feverfew's benefits in relieving headaches, womb problems, and general aches and pains have led to a resurgence in its use. Feverfew is also an effective insect repellent. It is native to southern Europe but is widely spread throughout the world. A perennial, it has a mass of bright, yellowish-green, slightly hairy, pointed leaves, which look almost fern-like and have a pungent odour. Its flat daisy-like flowers grow all summer.

PARTS USED

Whole herb.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Volatile oil containing pinene and bornyl acetate; sesquiterpene lactones, including parthenolide; chrysanthemonin; acetylene derivatives.

ACTIONS

Reduces or prevents fever; dilates the blood vessels; relieves pain; kills and helps expel worms; stimulates the stomach; anti-rheumatic.

MEDICINAL USE

Given for migraine headaches, arthritis, painful periods, and after birth to help restore the womb. Although chewing fresh leaves is recommended for headaches, some people may develop mouth ulcers and it may be preferable to crush the leaves and eat them in a sandwich.

PREPARATIONS

Fresh leaves, powdered leaves, tablets, tincture.