The herb Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has always been regarded as a medicinal herb. As the name implies, folk healers employed it as a cure for fevers. Scientists have studied Feverfew, and, though it does not reduce fevers, it was discovered to be an antispasmodic. It helps the body prevent the spasms in small blood vessels that are known to be an immediate cause of migraines. The chief active ingredient has been isolated, and might, someday, lead to a pure extract. Additional clinical studies have found that feverfew can stop vomiting and relieve nausea, while improving digestion. Other studies have reported:

- relief from asthma attacks
- promotion of restful sleep
- relief from the inflammation, and thus the pain, of arthritis.

In a study on migraine sufferers conducted by British researchers in the 1980’s, 7 out of 10 people reported either fewer or less painful migraines. Some people reported that feverfew helped with depression as well. The leaves of the plant are usually consumed. The most common side effect is mouth ulcers, and use should be discontinued if this happens.

There are commercial tinctures of feverfew available, or it can be grown at home.

Feverfew is easily grown in the US and Europe, as it is a relative of the mint family. It grows as a tall (12-24″ or more) bushy plant, which displays a multitude of small white flowers, reminiscent of small daisies. Once planted, it will spread by self seeding and sending out runners. It emerges in the spring, and will continue to grow and bloom all summer if flowers are pinched back.

To use medicinally, eat 1 medium sized leaf per day. There are very few recipes for feverfew available. You may want to try putting it into a tossed salad, along with other fresh herbs. Another approach would be to sprinkle chopped feverfew leaves on top of marinara sauce. It could be made into pesto, using your favorite nuts.

In summary, the potential benefits of feverfew are many, and this important natural herbal remedy should not be neglected as a treatment for many common health problems. If more information about feverfew is desired, you may want to try using your favourite search engine on this term. There will be a wealth of information available on the internet.

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