Medicinal herbs can be a fantastic way to support your body and improve your health naturally. When my family needs help recovering from an illness or healing a wound, we often turn to herbal remedies. One of our go-to herbs is feverfew.
Feverfew is quite powerful, and I always keep some on hand. Traditionally, it has been used to reduce fevers, just as its name implies, but it offers many other benefits as well. This plant, scientifically known as Tanacetum parthenium or Chrysanthemum parthenium, grows in the Asteraceae family. Originating from central and southern Europe, such as the Balkans and Caucasus, feverfew is a bushy plant with small, daisy-like flowers, reaching about 20 inches tall. It’s both ornamental and medicinal, making it doubly useful.
This herb is also known by other names like featherfew, featherfoil, altamisa, wild chamomile, or bachelor’s buttons. Traditionally, it helps reduce inflammation and, interestingly, ancient Greek physicians used it to ease menstrual cramps. A 2011 review highlighted that parthenolide, a compound in feverfew’s leaves, largely contributes to its healing properties.
Feverfew has earned nicknames like the “medieval aspirin” or the “aspirin of the 18th century” because of its strong anti-inflammatory effects. Its most famous benefits include helping reduce fever by curbing inflammation—similar to how over-the-counter medicines work. Feverfew’s anti-inflammatory ability likely comes from its inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, thanks to compounds like flavonoids, parthenolide, and tanetin.
In today’s healthcare landscape, cancer remains a significant concern, prompting researchers to explore plants like feverfew for potential benefits. Although more studies are needed, feverfew may support cellular health due to its capacity to combat cancer cells by reducing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Despite these findings, feverfew should never be used as a substitute for professional cancer treatments.
For those suffering from migraines, which are far worse than regular headaches, feverfew might offer some relief. Not only can feverfew extracts help manage migraines before they start, but they might prevent symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. This potential benefit likely comes from feverfew’s ability to block prostaglandin synthesis, decrease vascular muscle spasms, and prevent blood vessels from widening.
Interestingly, feverfew might also lift your mood. A 2017 study found it could relieve anxiety and depression symptoms in mice, though more human studies are needed to prove its effectiveness for these conditions.
Feverfew is quite easy to use, with various applications. While more research is needed to confirm some uses, people have reported it helps with digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and even speeding up childbirth. Generally safe with minimal side effects, fresh leaves might cause mouth ulcers for some. However, certain people should avoid it, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider, especially when considering it for children.
One straightforward way to get feverfew is by growing it in your garden. It thrives in full to partial sun and well-drained soil. Feverfew is good at reseeding itself, which can make it challenging to control, so keep an eye on it. If gardening isn’t year-round for you, ordering feverfew from reliable sources is another option.
Have you ever used feverfew? What benefits have you noticed?
