What is feverfew?
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a perennial plant that grows up to 80 centimetres tall and smells strongly of camphor, similar to camomile.
The plant probably originates from the eastern Mediterranean and is cultivated in Europe and North and South America as an ornamental and herb plant. Wild feverfew often grows in the wild in our country. The plant therefore likes to grow near gardens, along fences, hedges and roadsides or in bushes.
It is not only the German name Mutterkraut (motherwort) that alludes to the plant’s healing powers for gynecological complaints. The scientific species name (Greek: parthenos = virgin) also indicates that the medicinal plant is used for women’s ailments.
There is a risk of confusion with feverfew. The medicinal plant not only looks very similar to true chamomile, but also to meadow daisy. In addition, alpine feverfew is often referred to as motherwort.
How does feverfew work?
Feverfew can be used to prevent migraines based on many years of experience. The ingredient parthenolide, a so-called sesquiterpene lactone, is mainly responsible for the pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect.
The plant also contains other sesquiterpene lactones, essential oil (main component: camphor) and flavonoids.
- fever
- rheumatic complaints
- digestive disorders
- menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea)
- skin conditions
Preparations of the medicinal plant are also said to be suitable as a mouthwash after tooth extraction.
Researchers from Bochum also discovered an effect on nerves. Specifically, feverfew and the ingredient parthenolide it contains are said to accelerate the regeneration of damaged nerve fibers. Diabetics in particular could benefit from this. Further research is currently underway.
Home remedies based on medicinal plants have their limits. If your symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not improve or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
Does feverfew help against migraines?
Studies on the effect of feverfew on migraines are inconclusive. Some current research results from human studies show that feverfew is only slightly more effective than a placebo in the treatment and prevention of migraines. Other studies found no effect. Further research is therefore needed.
What are the side effects of feverfew?
After taking feverfew, side effects such as allergic reactions to the skin, mouth and tongue can occur. Some people also complain of mild gastrointestinal complaints.
How is feverfew used?
To make a tea, pour a cup of boiling water over about 150 milligrams of powdered feverfew. After ten minutes, you can strain the powder through a filter. Ideally, you should drink two to three cups a day before meals for several months before reducing the dose. In this way, feverfew is said to prevent migraines.
However, the effect of feverfew tea is classified as low, as the active ingredients are hardly absorbed into the water. Instead, it is recommended to take the medicinal plant in the form of standardized ready-to-use preparations.
You can find out how these are used and dosed from the respective package leaflet and from your doctor or pharmacist.
What you should bear in mind when using feverfew!
Do not use feverfew if you are allergic to composite plants such as arnica, marigold and camomile.
There is not much experience with the use of feverfew during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as in children and adolescents. You should therefore first discuss the use of the medicinal plant with a doctor.
