Feverfew - Tanacetum parthenium

Detailed Description

A traditional herb valued for its support in managing migraines and inflammation.

Botanical Information

Feverfew is a perennial herb that typically grows to a height of 30–60 cm. Several stems generally sprout from a single rootstock. The stem is upright, angular, partially hairy, sometimes smooth, and is richly branched. Leaves are alternate, light to yellow-green, broadly ovate—with lower leaves having stalks and upper ones being sessile. Leaf blades are 5–8 cm long and 3–5 cm wide, with blunt ends and glandular undersides, deeply pinnatifid with serrated to scalloped edges. Both leaves and stems emit a scent reminiscent of chamomile. Feverfew’s flowers are arranged in corymbs of 15–20 small heads; the disc florets are yellow and tubular, while the ray florets are white and bisexual, appearing from June to September. Fruits are approximately 1 mm long, ribbed achenes.

Origin and Distribution

Feverfew originally hails from southeastern Europe—especially the Balkan Peninsula—Anatolia, Western Asia, and the Caucasus. It has since spread due to its popularity and has been introduced to East Asia (notably China and Japan), North America (the USA, Canada), South America, Australia, and Africa. In Central Europe, feverfew is found in gardens, parks, village greens, along walls, and roadsides. It has long been cultivated in botanical gardens and around churchyards, and wild populations are often found near human settlements.

Usage / Dosage

The English common name feverfew comes from the Latin 'febrifugia', or 'fever reducer,' though this is not its primary use in modern herbalism. The herbal use of feverfew as an anti-inflammatory agent was first documented in the 1st century AD by Greek physician Dioscorides. In ancient Greece, it was called 'Parthemium', as it was reputedly used to treat laborers constructing the Parthenon in the 5th century BC. In historical texts, feverfew is referred to as 'medieval aspirin.' Today, it’s grown not only as a medicinal plant but also as an ornamental, and flower tinctures are used as a natural insect repellent.

The cause of migraine attacks is still not fully understood. The most widely supported theory points to sudden blood vessel dilation in the brain, increased permeability of vessel walls, and the release of numerous chemicals—including proteins—which may cause localized pain and inflammation. Feverfew’s active compounds appear to reduce the passage of these substances across vessel walls, as well as limiting blood vessel dilation, making it a popular preventive herb for migraine attacks. Several studies support this use. One 1978 case involved a 68-year-old woman with chronic migraines since age 16—a decade-long headache history ended after ten months of daily feverfew leaves and tops. In a clinical study, the migraine frequency decreased in eight feverfew users compared to nine on placebo over six months. A small Canadian clinical trial also reported a 24% reduction in migraine frequency and mild reduction in intensity.

The phytochemicals in feverfew also appear to help reduce the levels of prostaglandins, IKK beta, pro-inflammatory factors, and cytokines at sites of inflammation by influencing their synthesis. This gives feverfew a notable anti-inflammatory effect. Parthenolide and related compounds, in particular, may support the relief of cramps and inflammation in the uterine lining, and help reduce painful reactions and local inflammation. Feverfew extract rich in sesquiterpene lactones irreversibly lowered inflammatory prostaglandin levels in animal and human studies. The anti-inflammatory effect has been investigated for possible use in joint inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, where it affected various inflammatory adhesion molecules and cytokines (intracellular adhesion molecule-1, TNF-alpha, interferon-gamma). The lipophilic flavonoid tanetin, found in feverfew, was observed to block prostaglandin synthesis but not thromboxane formation. Water extracts of tanetin blocked arachidonic acid release and in vitro platelet aggregation induced by ADP or thrombin. Furthermore, parthenolide inhibited phospholipase and prostaglandin synthetase in platelets.

Some studies report feverfew’s partial benefit for menopausal symptoms, contributing to greater comfort for women in menopause. National health authorities attribute significant positive impacts to feverfew for menopausal women. The herb is also believed to support relaxation, relief, and the reduction of tension and anxiety, especially in postmenopausal women.

Feverfew extract was shown to reduce serotonin release from platelets, likely owing to sesquiterpene activity. These same compounds may help reduce leukocyte granulation and support improved blood circulation. Thus, feverfew may be relevant in conditions associated with poor circulation—a potential mechanism behind its role in reducing migraine pain.

Parthenolide inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, yeast, and molds in in vitro studies. Another study found feverfew extract inhibited the multiplication of Leishmania amazonensis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Mycobacterium avium. Parthenolide and similar lactones have demonstrated anti-tumor activity against fibroblasts, laryngeal, and other cancer cells. Feverfew’s constituents, including parthenolide, have also shown antioxidant properties, making the plant valuable as an antioxidant as well.

Traditional and Folk Medicine

Folk herbal medicine uses feverfew as an infusion for fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach pain, toothaches, infertility, insect bites, painful menstruation, and childbirth discomfort. Its traditional use is well documented by European and Greek herbalists. Feverfew was used for psoriasis, allergies, tinnitus, asthma, nausea, and vomiting.

Traditionally, feverfew has been used as a spasmolytic, cardiotonic, antipyretic, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, anti-neoplastic, and anthelmintic. Fresh leaves and aerial parts are occasionally placed in the ear for ear infections in folk practice. Indigenous South Americans use feverfew for intestinal colic, kidney cramps, morning sickness, and stomach pain. In Costa Rica, the plant is prepared as an infusion to support digestion, as a cardiotonic, emmenagogue, and to expel intestinal worms and roundworms. In Venezuela, it’s used as a spasmolytic, as a tonic to regulate painful menstruation, and for earache.

Precautions

Some people may experience minor rashes after prolonged use of feverfew supplements. Discontinue use if this occurs; it may be resumed after a break. Due to its effects on the uterus, feverfew is not recommended during pregnancy.

Active Compounds

Key constituents include sesquiterpene lactones (notably parthenolide, artecanin, artemorin, canin, balchanin, epicanin, arbusculin, manolialide, reynosin, santamarin, secotanaparthenolide), flavonoid glycosides (kaempferol, trimethylether, quercetagetin, quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, chrysoeriol, santin, jaceidin, centaureidin), tannins, essential oils (camphor, camphene, p-cymene, bornyl acetate, thujone, pinenes, terpinene, borneol, pinocarvone, carvacrol, myrtenal, eugenol), acetylenic derivatives, caryophyllene, chrysanthemin, coumarin isofraxidin, and epipektachol.

Traditional Dosage

Supplements typically provide about 250 mg of standardized feverfew extract, expected to contain at least 0.4% parthenolide by weight. Feverfew is not suitable for children under 3 years; older children may be dosed according to weight, with children over 20 kg receiving about one-third the adult dose (based on a 70 kg adult). Dosage may vary according to indication, usually ranging from 2–10 g once or several times daily.

To make an infusion: steep one teaspoon of dried feverfew in 200–250 ml of boiling water. Take 1–3 times per day as needed.