Health Benefits of Feverfew
Health Benefits of Feverfew
Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium), also known as wild chamomile, is a flowering plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Feverfew is native to the Balkan Peninsula but is now in Australia, Europe, China, Japan, and North Africa.
For many centuries in traditional medicine, feverfew is used to treat fevers, migraines, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomachaches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, issues with menstruation and labor during childbirth. Greek and early European herbalists also used feverfew to treat psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Feverfew is also known as the Medieval Aspirin.
Feverfew has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants.
Feverfew may help treat migraines. Studies have shown that 70% of 270 people with migraines who consumed 2-3 fresh feverfew leaves daily felt much better. Another study of people who consumed a combination of feverfew with white willow twice a day for 12 weeks had fewer migraines and their pain did not last long or hurt as much.
Feverfew may help reduce inflammation and may help treat chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, joint pain and arthritis.
Feverfew may also promote heart health and help prevent blood clots.
Feverfew may also treat dermatitis. Studies have shown that feverfew extracts may help reduce damaged skin cells and improve the appearance of the skin.
Feverfew may interact with certain medications such as blood thinners, anesthesia and other herbal supplements.
Feverfew may have some side effects including stomaches, diarrhea, heartburn, gas, nausea and vomiting
Allergic reactions may occur, feverfew is closely related to the ragweed family.
As always consult with your physician.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanacetum_parthenium
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/feverfew
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/feverfew