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Feverfew
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| Parts
used Leaves |
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| Common Uses
The prevention and long term
treatment of migraine headaches. |
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How
Feverfew Works
What triggers a migraine headache is, for
the most part, a mystery. Today's medical research is focused on the
role of platelets in the blood, which appear to act abnormally in people
who suffer migraines. Feverfew helps reduce this abnormal behavior and
in doing so lessens the severity, duration and frequency of migraine
headaches. |
| It must be noted that Feverfew
is not a quick cure for a migraine attack. Studies have shown that 4 –
6 weeks are usually needed for the herb to start taking effect. After
this you will hopefully experience fewer migraines that are less severe
and that do not last as long. |
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Side
Effects
There have been no studies into the long
term toxicity of feverfew. However studies on feverfew have shown no
major side effects. Some people do experience minor side effects, like
mild stomach upset and nervousness, and chewing the leaves can also
cause mouth ulcers in some people. |
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Safety
Concerns
Feverfew should not be taken during
pregnancy or lactation. It is also not recommended for children under 2
years old. |
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The History
of Feverfew
There is split opinion as to whether the
name "Feverfew" is derived from a corruption of the name
"featherfew" referring to its fine feathery leaves or whether
the name comes from the Latin for "chase away fevers". |
| Either way the plant has been
used as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years. In the past it was
commonly used only externally as feverfew was thought to be too bitter
to be taken internally. It was, however, commonly taken by women after
childbirth to help expel the placenta. |
| Today Feverfew is famous as
the premier herbal therapy for migraine sufferers. |
