Feverfew

This past weekend, my son-in-law was suffering from a headache and I offered him my "go to" herbal headache remedy, feverfew.  

Fever few in bloom with seedlings on the right.

This easy to grow perennial is hardy in my zone 4 Minnesotan garden.  The small daisy-like flowers make it pretty enough to do double duty in a perennial flower garden.  

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Feverfew can easily be started from seed.  Once your plant is established it will reseed each fall and you will see small seedlings growing all around the mother plant in the spring.

The scent of feverfew is very distinctive.  I would recommend tincturing this bitter herb for easier consumption.  Some brave souls will eat a leaf or brew a tea out of the flowers and leaves, but the taste is strong and most will find it unpleasant.

To make a tincture, the flowers and leaves are chopped and placed in a glass jar.  Vodka (100 proof) is poured over the top, a lid is screwed on, and the jar is allowed to sit for 6 weeks.  For detailed instructions for making herbal tinctures; please click here.

Feverfew is anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and good for the digestive system.  Some people use feverfew daily to prevent migraine headaches.  My experience is that the pain relief is so gentle that I don't even realize anything is happening, then it occurs to me that the pain in my head is gone and I feel better.

Feverfew is also used to relieve the pain of arthritis, menstrual cramps, stomachaches, toothaches and to treat fevers.


In Making Plant Medicine, by Richo Cech (founder of Horizon Herbs) Richo states, "Feverfew is a good nervine tonic with specific applications against migraine and low spirits.  Part of its anti-migraine effect is due to anti-inflammatory activity and part due to the positive bitter digestive effects."

Rosemary Gladstar, in Herbal Remedies for Vibrant Health, explains the chemistry, "Parthenolide, feverfew's active ingredient, controls chemicals in the body responsible for producing allergic reactions.  It also inhibits the production of prostaglandins that are implicated in inflammation, swelling, and PMS.  Like most herbalist, Rosemary suggests using feverfew to prevent migraines as opposed to treating a migraine in its active stage.  She recommends taking feverfew over a period of 1 to 3 months, but cautions that for a very few it may promote menstruation, and cause cramping or painful periods.  

Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant women or for people taking anticoagulant drugs.

Dosage

The Therapeutic Herb Manual, by Ed Smith recommends using 30 to 40 drops of feverfew tincture, 2 to 4 times per day to relieve pain from headaches, arthritis, fevers, menstrual cramps, stomachache and toothache.  The author cautions that "Rarely some sensitive individuals may have an allergic reaction to Feverfew.  Discontinue use if this happens."

Lifestyle Considerations for Frequent Headache Sufferers

Often times, pain is our first indication that all is not well with our bodies.  It is wise to consider pain our "early alert" warning system and investigate the cause.  We may need to slow down and take care of ourselves to prevent bigger health issues.

Explore the Cause

Because headaches can result from so many different things, finding the cause can be challenging. Here are a few common triggers;

• Stress
• Dehydration
• Food sensitivities
• Lack of restful sleep
• Lack of exercise

Tips to Alleviate Headache Pain by Addressing the Cause

• Reduce tension and stress by soaking in a hot tub, using relaxation techniques, meditating, exercising, or stretching

• Retreat to a dark, quiet room, lay down and rest

• Drink filtered water to combat dehydration

• Go for a walk and inhale the fresh air

• Check to see if your headaches coincide with eating a particular food.  And if so, avoid eating that food and see if you have fewer headaches.

Consult a medical professional if you have health concerns.

Please note: The objective of this blog is to raise awareness of alternative ways to achieve wellness and to empower you to take an active role in your health decisions.  To accomplish this, you will need to explore these subjects in greater depth and then determine what makes sense for your life.  My hope is that this information will inspire you to start your own search into ways to make your life happier, healthier and more fulfilling.