Feverfew is an herb. The leaves are used to make medicine.
Contents
Uses
Feverfew has many uses, but so far, it seems to be effective only for preventing migraine headaches in some people.
Feverfew is also used for fever, irregular menstrual periods, arthritis, a skin disorder called psoriasis, allergies, asthma, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, and nauseaand vomiting.
Some people use feverfew for difficulty getting pregnant or fathering a child (infertility). It is also used for “tired blood” (anemia), cancer, common cold, earache, liver disease, prevention of miscarriage, muscular tension, bone disorders, swollen feet, diarrhea, upset stomach and intestinal gas.
Feverfew is sometimes applied directly to the gums for toothaches or to the skin to kill germs.
Benefits
Headaches
The most common current day use for feverfew is to reduce or eliminate headaches. Herbalists familiar with this plant have been known to remove a leaf from the plant and immediately chew it to get rid of a headache, though this isn’t recommended since it can cause blisters in the mouth.
Migraine headaches
A more violent form of headache, migraines have been successfully treated using feverfew. This is particularly helpful for people who do not react well to the prescription medications typically prescribed for migraines. Some ardent proponents tout the benefits of feverfew to prevent migraines, but the efficacy of this treatment has not been scientifically proven and so at this time is merely anecdotal.
Arthritis
Centuries-old annotations about the efficacy of feverfew on arthritis have been found in physicians’ texts. Feverfew’s anti-inflammatory properties have been used with good effect on arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Fever reducer
This was a common use for feverfew until the last century or so, when the use of aspirin became widespread. Passionate traditional herbalists still prefer feverfew over aspirin. Homeopaths use this as a hot infusion to help sweat out the fever.
Menstrual cramps
This is a well-documented use for feverfew, as it soothes cramps and promotes regular menstrual flow. For this reason, it should not be used by any woman who suspects she may be pregnant.
Laxative
This can be used for either a mild or a strong laxative, depending on how you use it.
Gas – The herb can be used to relieve gas and bloating, but too much will have the opposite effect.
Vermifuge
Feverfew can be used to expel parasitic worms from the intestines.
Cautions
Feverfew is LIKELY SAFE for most people when used short-term (up to four months). Side effects might include upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Other reported side effects include nervousness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, joint stiffness, tiredness, menstrual changes, rash, pounding heart, and weight gain.
The safety of feverfew beyond 4 months’ use has not been studied.
Feverfew is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when fresh leave are chewed. Chewing unprocessed feverfew leaves can cause mouth sores; swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips; and loss of taste.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Feverfew is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken during pregnancy. There is concern that it might cause early contractions and miscarriage. Don’t use feverfew if you are pregnant. The safety of feverfew during breast-feeding isn’t known. It’s best to avoid using feverfew if you are breast-feeding.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Feverfew may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking feverfew.
Surgery: Feverfew might slow blood clotting. It might cause bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking feverfew at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with FEVERFEW
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.Feverfew might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking feverfew along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking feverfew, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates) interacts with FEVERFEW
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.Feverfew might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking feverfew along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking feverfew, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.Some medications that are changed by the liver include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix); diazepam (Valium); carisoprodol (Soma); nelfinavir (Viracept); and others.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with FEVERFEWSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
Feverfew might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking feverfew along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking feverfew, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene); celecoxib (Celebrex); amitriptyline (Elavil); warfarin (Coumadin); glipizide (Glucotrol); losartan (Cozaar); and others.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with FEVERFEWSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
Feverfew might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking feverfew along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking feverfew, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with FEVERFEWFeverfew might slow blood clotting. Taking feverfew along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Other names
Altamisa, Bachelor’s Buttons, Chrysanthème Matricaire, Featerfoiul, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Flirtwort Midsummer Daisy, Grande Camomille, Matricaria, Matricaria eximia, Matricaria parthenium, Santa Maria, Tanaceti Parthenii, Tanacetum Parthenium, Chrysanthemum Parthenium, Chrysanthemum praealtum, Leucanthemum Parthenium, Pyrethrum Parthenium
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-933-feverfew.aspx?activeingredientid=933&activeingredientname=feverfew
NaturalRemedies, http://www.naturalremedies.org/feverfew/