Medicinal History of Feverfew

Feverfew was used as a medicinal plant since the first century. The Greek herbalist and physician Diosorides wrote of using it as an anti-inflammatory. In the Middle Ages, it was used mainly for its fever-reducing and headache-relieving effects, its name comes from the Latin word febrifugia, meaning “fever reducer.” Feverfew leaves and flowers contain a powerful compound, Parthenolide which studies indicate may help inhibit certain cancers. This substance also has super anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties leading to feverfew being referred to as “medieval aspirin”.

It's not all good. Feverfew shouldn’t be taken by pregnant women as it may help induce contractions. Parthenolide, the good stuff in feverfew, also has a dark side. It can be irritant to the skin and cause mouth ulcers and stopping long term use can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Top Five Medicinal Uses of Feverfew

1. Migraine Relief

Feverfew is most commonly used for migraine headaches. Studies have shown that it may reduce the frequency and duration of migraines, as well as some symptoms, such as pain, nausea and light sensitivity. Two to three leaves were traditionally chewed daily, or when headaches started to occur.

2. Anti-Inflammatory

Feverfew has been traditionally used to reduce fevers and chills, support digestion, and improve mood. The leaves contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds and are normally steeped to make tea.

3. Pain Relief

Feverfew has similar medicinal abilities to aspirin, and its anti-inflammatory properties can help ease the pain of sore muscles, joint pain, and arthritis. It was known as ‘medieval aspirin’ which is a bit unfair to willow bark #therealaspirin

4. Cancer Treatment

It’s believed that the compound Parthenolide, found in feverfew leaves, may have cancer fighting properties. Results are inconclusive and studies are on-going, but it’s suggested it might help prevent the spread or recurrence of breast, prostate, lung, or bladder cancer as well as others.

5. Digestive Aid

Feverfew has been used traditionally to treat digestive disorders and stomach ache. Aside from its anti-inflammatory powers, compounds in feverfew also sooth muscle spasms and cramps.

Herbal

Love-in-a-mist, bewildered

With the many tears Love shed,

Seeks for herb-o'-grace to bind

Up her wounds, and fever-few

To give ease to a hurt mind;

Wound-wort is not wanting too.

Katharine Tynan (1886)

Parts of the Plant Used for Medicine

The leaves and flower heads of the feverfew plant are used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, two to three fresh leaves were chewed daily, to ease migraine and headaches. It has quite a bitter flavour, so might be better blended in a smoothy. The leaves are also effective dried and used in teas and tinctures.

Active Medical Ingredients in Feverfew

Feverfew's anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and potentially anti-cancer super powers come from a compound called Parthenolide. Like many superheroes such as Deadpool, Venom and Batman, Parthenolide has its dark side and can lead to skin irritation, mouth ulcers and nausea. Feverfew can cause contractions so should be avoided by pregnant women.

Important.
Herbs have been used in medicines for thousands of years and a few leaves here and there are unlikely to be harmful. However, if you intend to start taking herbs medicinally or to treat a specific health condition, please seek the advice of your GP (or vet) and a qualified herbalist, first.