Feverfew

Feverfew Overview 

Feverfew, derived from the Latin term febrifugia, indicates its inherent medicinal property – the mitigation of fever. Belonging to the aster family, this herb is a native of Europe and has been naturalized throughout the South and North of America. Some other common names of this herb include featherfew, febrifuge, featherfoil and wild chamomile.

A bushy perennial that grows straight and erect and has slightly grooved stems, the medicinal properties of feverfew came into light when the wife of a Welsh doctor was able to end her history of migraine after a course of feverfew. During the 1980s clinical trials in Britain have proved beyond doubt that feverfew can be instrumental in reducing migraine. Patients were tested and the results showed that the effect of ingesting the herb was more than a placebo effect. Additionally, the herb also helped reduce blood pressure. With frequent and prolonged use, feverfew can not only reduce the occurrence of migraine, it can also reduce its severity. Further, it can also prevent the occurrence of nausea and vomiting.

Use of Feverfew

Feverfew is effective against different kinds of pain and inflammation. Pain caused by arthritis and the intense symptoms associated with hay fever, allergies and asthma also find a remedy in feverfew. Feverfew is also a woman-friendly herb as an infusion of the plant taken during the sluggish period will promote flow and relieve congestion. It is said that the herb helps release the placenta, if taken after a difficult child birth. Since taking the herb leads to uterine contractions, pregnant women are advised against using the herb.

In the past centuries, it was believed that feverfew would prevent the bite of mad dogs. It has been used to fight intestinal worms and to treat alcoholic delirium and tremors induced by alcohol.

Feverfew is considered to be an all-rounder in South Africa, where it was used to fight colic, morning sickness, stomach ache and pains associated with the kidney. In places like Costa Rica, Feverfew is used as a digestive aid. It is also a popular emmenagogue. In Mexico, people use it to make a sitz bath that acts as a regulator of menstrual cycle and as an antispasmodic. The flowers of the feverfew plant have a purgative action if ingested. The blossom heads also serve to fight insects and bees.

In recent times, feverfew has been given to cats as an alternative to aspirin which are toxic to felines. Placing pets in an infusion made of the herb is also supposed to fight ticks and fleas.

Feverfew Cautions