Submitted for publication to organic 1/16/2017
The Amazing Medicinal, Ornamental, And Culinary Benefits Of Feverfew
By: Marlene Affeld
If you are establishing a herb garden in the home landscape, don’t forget to include a few clumps of feverfew. A species of chrysanthemum, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a hardy herbaceous perennial used for centuries for a diverse array of ornamental, curative, and culinary applications.
Bearing golden-green leaves and delicate daisy-like flowers, feverfew is commonly known as Bachelor or Bride’s buttons. Native to the Balkans and Asia Minor, feverfew now flourishes freely across North, Central and South America and in Australia in open meadows and unattended ground, reaching from two to three feet tall. In early June, tiny white flowers with yellow centers appear in profusion, completely covering the plant.
When planted in mass, feverfew makes an impressive statement in the garden, presenting an abundance of white flowers with yellow button centers to grace the garden from June through September. Many gardeners plant feverfew to brighten a dark corner of the backyard or to lighten a dull space along a fence, foundation, or wall. Feverfew makes a great backdrop for colorful summer annuals such as giant marigold and Black-eyed Susan. Once established, the colorful perennial will provide years and years of brilliant color in the landscape as well as an endless supply of flowers and leaves of the amazing medicinal herb.
Feverfew Repels Insects
To repel pesky insects such as mosquitos, flies, gnats, ticks, wasp, spiders, centipedes, and hornets, a tincture crafted from feverfew leaves mixed with water, placed in a spray bottle, provides an efficient insect repellent. Spray the tincture on skin and clothing before exposure. If an insect does bite, relieve the sting and prevent infection by rubbing a crushed fresh feverfew leaf on the bite.
Do not plant feverfew in the home vegetable garden near flowering plants. Many garden plants are dependent on bees for pollination. Bees find feverfew highly offensive and will avoid the area where feverfew plants are established.
Medicinal Benefits Of Feverfew
Unlike many of the other favorite herbs typically cultivated in the home garden, feverfew presents a bitter taste and a pungent odor. Although the taste and smell of feverfew are offensive, its medicinal benefits are many. Around the world, a great many people rely on feverfew to:
• Lower fever
• Relieve menstrual discomfort
• Relieve allergies
• Reduce inflammation and pain of arthritis
• Reduce asthma attacks
• Diminish dizziness
• Reduce nausea
• Control vomiting
• Relieve Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Feverfew, taken as a preventative medication, is said to help persons suffering from migraine headaches. Parthenolide, a chemical compound found in Feverfew, decreases conditions in the body that may cause migraine headaches.
In a medical research study published in the National Library Of Medicine, Institutes of Health the use of feverfew produced significant positive results for persons suffering from migraine headaches, reporting “The use of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) for migraine prophylaxis was assessed in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. After a one-month single-blind placebo run-in, 72 volunteers were randomly allocated to receive either one capsule of dried feverfew leaves a day or matching placebo for four months and then transferred to the other treatment limb for a further four months.
Frequency and severity of attacks were determined from diary cards, which were issued every two months; the efficacy of each treatment was also assessed by visual analog scores. 60 patients completed the study, and full information was available in 59. Treatment with feverfew was associated with a reduction in the mean number and severity of attacks in each two-month period, and in the degree of vomiting; duration of individual attacks was unaltered. Visual analog scores also indicated a significant improvement with feverfew. There were no serious side-effects.”
Traditionally, feverfew has long been considered an effective herb used to cleanse the air and ward off disease. Feverfew flowers and leaves are typically dried when used for medicinal purposes. Feverfew has a long history in homeopathic medicine for treating infertility in both men and women. Recent research studies indicate the active ingredient in feverfew, Parthenolide, may reduce inflammation and may also stop cancer cells from growing.
In Scandinavian countries such as Finland and Sweden where feverfew grows profusely in mountain meadows, the herb is used as a tonic and stimulant for persons experiencing sadness of the spirit. Used as a remedy for headaches, fresh leaves of the aromatic plant are applied to the crown of the head. Feverfew used in this manner is also reported to provide relief from congestion and the discomforts of a head cold. A tincture of feverfew, mixed with honey, is said to ease breathing in individuals suffering from a chronic cough, wheezing, and excessive phlegm.
In the Americas, feverfew is most widely used to treat chronic migraine headaches. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes, “Feverfew was popular in the 1980s as a treatment for migraines. A survey of 270 people with migraines in Great Britain found that more than 70% of them felt much better after taking an average of 2 to 3 fresh feverfew leaves daily. Several human studies have used feverfew to prevent and treat migraines. Overall, these studies suggest that taking dried leaf capsules of feverfew every day may reduce the number of migraines in people who have chronic migraines.”
In ancient “folk” medicine, crushed feverfew leaves mixed into wine was used to relieve anxiety and depression and to relieve withdrawal symptoms in opium overdose. A compress of fresh feverfew leaves sprinkled with rum or whiskey has long been used to alleviate the pain of a toothache. A steaming poultice of moist feverfew leaves helps relieve the pain of muscles aches and sprains while helping to reduce swelling and inflammation. Researchers report the active ingredients in feverfew helps relieve spasms in smooth muscle tissue.
The efficiency of Feverfew has been tested in several medical research studies, and today dried preparations of the herb in tablet and capsule formulations are marketed by manufacturers of herbal remedies (nutraceuticals) and sold as dietary supplements. Feverfew tablets, tinctures, and capsules are available online or at local health food stores.
Dosage
• Children - The University of Maryland Medical Centers offers recommendations on dosage, stating, “For older children, ask your doctor whether feverfew is safe for your child. Your doctor will determine the right dose.
• Adult - For migraine headaches: Studies have used 50 to 100 mg daily, standardized to contain 0.2 to 0.35% parthenolide. Feverfew may be used to prevent or stop a migraine headache. Feverfew supplements may also be carbon dioxide extracted. For these, one study used 6.25 mg, three times daily, for up to 16 weeks.”
Culinary Usage
In Italy, finely minced fresh Feverfew leaves are used in the preparation of omelets and served as a garnish with fried eggs. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh feverfew leaves imparts a deliciously aromatic bitter flavor to sauces, salads, and soups. Leaves and flowers are used as a plate garnish and to cut the greasy taste of cooked meats.
Cultivation
Feverfew thrives in a full-sun location, preferring a nutrient-rich soil and plenty of water. Good drainage is essential. Feverfew does not grow well in areas prone to standing water. Feverfew, like other woody, herbaceous plants benefits from twice yearly soil supplementation of well-aged herbivore manure (sheep, goat, horse, cow). Apply manure/compost in the early spring and late fall. Work the fertilizer into the topsoil around the base of the plant and water well.
Feverfew can be grown from seed and is typically ready for harvest within 70-days of planting. Experienced gardeners suggest starting the plant indoors or in a greenhouse environment and transplanting to the garden when the seedlings are well established at about 6-to-8-inches in height. Propagation is accomplished by seeds, cuttings or root division. Seeds and seedlings of feverfew are available online or from home and garden centers.
The University of Kentucky College Of Agriculture notes, “Results of a study of field cultivation conditions for feverfew can be found in the report of the USDA-funded study, “Production and Development of Nutraceuticals as Alternative Crops”, by Tundal, Dufault, Gangemi, Rushing and Boyleston (2002)”
Harvesting And Drying Feverfew
Research indicated the active ingredient (parthenolide) level is highest when the flowers are at bud stage. Harvest the tips of the plant on a sunny day to avoid trapping excess moisture in the plant from dew or rainfall. Secure bunches of Feverfew tips with a rubber band. The use of a rubber band will keep the bunch tight as the stems shrink during the drying process. Hang upside down in a cool, dark and dry shed or cupboard. When dry, Feverfew bunches can be stored in a sealed, lightproof tin or airtight container.
Cautions
While the use of medicinal herbs is a traditional approach to treating disease and strengthening the body, pregnant women should avoid taking feverfew as it may cause uterine contractions. While no serious side effect have been noted from feverfew, it may cause digestive problems, nausea and bloat. Do not administer feverfew to infants or children less than two years of age.
Avoid chewing fresh feverfew leaves that may cause mouth sores or irritation. In persons prone to allergies, handling the plant may cause redness or skin irritation. Individuals allergic to ragweed, yarrow, or chamomile should not take feverfew.
Medical studies indicate the herb may increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided by persons taking prescribed blood thinners such aspirin or warfarin. Consult your healthcare provider before taking feverfew or any other herbal dietary supplement.
References:
Feverfew - WebMd.com
Feverfew - National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health
Growing Feverfew - University of Kentucky College Of Agriculture
Randomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial Of Feverfew In Migraine Prevention - U.S. National Library Of Medicine – National Institutes Of Health
Feverfew - Penn State Hersey Medical Center
Feverfew – Botanical.com
Feverfew – University of Maryland Medical Center
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