Migraine and Other Ailments

Feverfew is a wonderful little herb that has gained popularity in the treatment of migraine headaches over the past decade. My first introduction to it was some 20 years ago, when my mother insisted I choose some leaves from her garden to treat a headache. Under protest, I did, so finding the lead somewhat bitter and distasteful. Some 10 minutes later, I noticed my headache had gone. Over the years I had recommended this herb to various friends and acquaintances that suffered periodic headaches. I would go to my mothers and get her to pot a cutting from her feverfew plants.

Some years after that, in a journal, I was reading at the dentists surgery, I was amazed to discover that doctors in the United Kingdom were prescribing feverfew for migraine sufferers. There are various forms of migraine, some of which are very rare and the more common types were having around 80% success rate with feverfew treatment. One of the actions of feverfew is to dilate the blood vessels in the back of the neck, and it is the constriction of these that occur during the early parts of the onset of some forms of migraine.

This herb is a member of the sunflower family, it is native to, and has been widely used in Europe for many centuries. It's Latin names are Tanacetum Parthenium and Chrysanthemum Parthenium. Feverfew is also known as Bachelor's Buttons and Featherfew. The dried leaves are the most commonly used parts of the plant, and sometimes the flowers and stems. It is a small bushy plant with bright yellow flowers.

Some of its lesser-known benefits are its use in the treatment of gas, bloating and intestinal worms. It will also promote the onset of menstruation and is also found to be of use in the treatment of delirium tremens, which can accompany withdrawal from heavy alcohol use. It is now widely available in capsule and in liquid form although the plant is available from many nurseries and herbariums. I prefer the capsules as the leaves are very bitter but not completely unpleasant.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Feverfew have led to it recently being used in the treatment of arthritis, but any beneficial effect is not yet conclusive. There is also a suggestion that it may be of use in the treatment of psoriasis allergies asthma and tinnitus, which is a constant ringing sound in the ears, and affects many sufferers. It is also helpful in the treatment of dizziness nausea and vomiting, however, anyone with these symptoms should consult their physician to determine the underlying cause.

Some caution is required with the use of this herb as a very small amount of people may have an allergic reaction to its use. People who are allergic to any members of the daisy family, which includes chrysanthemum and ragweed are more likely to be allergic to Feverfew. It had certainly should not be used during pregnancy as Feverfew can bring about miscarriage or premature delivery, and it should not be taken for extended periods of time.

Related Sources:
Back To Eden by Jethro Kloss