The Medicinal Herb Feverfew

Other Common Names: Altamisa De Castilla, Amargosa, Featherfoil, Midsummer Daisy, Manzanilla, Matricaria, Varadika, Tanacetum parthenium

Range: Colombia; Dominican Republic; Mexico; S.E. Europe to Asia; Spain; Turkey; USA; Venezuela

Habitat: Mountain scrub, rocky slopes, walls, waste places and a weed of gardens, avoiding acid soils.

Feverfew (a corruption of Febrifuge, from its tonic and fever-dispelling properties) is a composite plant growing in every hedgerow, with numerous, small, daisy-like heads of yellow flowers with outer white rays, the central yellow florets being arranged on a nearly flat receptacle, not conical as in the chamomiles. The whole plant has a strong and bitter smell, and is particularly disliked by bees.

Feverfew has gained a good reputation as a medicinal herb and extensive research since 1970 has proved it to be of special benefit in the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism. It is also thought of as a herb for treating arthritis and rheumatism.

The leaves and flowering heads are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aperient, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, sedative, stimulant, stings, stomachic, vasodilator and vermifuge. The plant is gathered as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use. Use with caution, the fresh leaves can cause dermatitis and mouth ulcers if consumed. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women.

A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate menses. An infusion is used to bathe swollen feet.

Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises etc.

Chewing 1 - 4 leaves per day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches.

The dried flower buds are a source of an insecticide. They are said to have the same properties as pyrethrum (obtained mainly from T. cinerariifolia). Steep 1 cupful of the dried flowers in one litre of hot soapy water for an hour. Strain, then allow to cool slightly before use.

  • Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
  • Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
  • Plants For A Future - A Resource and Information Centre for Edible and other useful plants.

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