Feverfew, Healer of Migraines
Hardy Perennial used in Treatment of Headache and Fever
Medicinal herb shown to help prevent migraine headaches and reduce fever. Feverfew, member of the aster family, is a hardy perennial with white daisylike flowers.
"The love of gardening is a seed that once sown never dies."
Gertrude Jekyll
Feverfew is a native plant of Europe and spread via the Mediterranean to many parts of the world, including North and South America. It is a member of the aster family and is an attractive, robust and vigorous plant. It can be found growing in the wild in dry, well-drained soils.
Its common name suggest that the herb was used in the treatment of fevers. Feverfew was used as a folk medicine taken internally for fevers or headache or applied externally to relieve pain. The English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper (1787) wrote that feverfew "is very effectual for all pains in the head coming from a cold, the herb being bruised and applied to the crown of the head".
Modern use focuses on feverfew to help prevent migraines. A compound (parthenolide) found in most varieties appears to be helpful for its antimigraine effects. During the past decade, clinical interest in feverfew has grown, especially by London researchers who have conducted extensive studies on the herb. Many clinical trails were held and results, over a six month period, showed a 70 percent reduction in migraines.
The fresh leaves, dried leaves, standardized capsules, tablets and tinctures are available currently in the United States. As with any medicinal herb, consult a trained herbalist before treatment. One side effect that has been associated with the use of feverfew in some instances is irritation of the mouth.
The fine, thin and fairly small seeds tend to stick together, so it is better to mix with an equal amount of sand before sowing in spring or early fall. Cover lightly with fine soil. Germination usually takes place within 7-10 days. If planted in the fall, the young seedlings will need protection during the winter months.
Feverfew can be invasive, however it is very useful for erosion control, especially on a steep bank. It is a hardy perennial with white daisylike flowers from early summer to early fall. The gold variety, ‘Aureum’, has gold green leaves that remain colorful throughout the year. Feverfew is a very attractive herb and the leaves are particularly conspicuous in winter. The leaf is mid-green with a chrysanthemum shape. Pick the leaves before the plant flowers, dry if required for medicinal purposes or use fresh. The fresh leaves are very bitter and may be eaten between 2 slices of bread (whole grain of course!) with a sprig of mint or parsley to make it more palatable. The young leaves of feverfew can be added to salads, but use very sparingly!.
