Learn the Traditional Uses and Benefits of Feverfew

Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew is an herb that I highly value for my own use. I have long suffered from migraines and nothing I tried offered any help, until I found this miracle herb.
This bushy perennial is a member of the Aster Family and grows along roadsides, on rocky slopes, walls, waste places, and is cultivatedin some home herb and ornamental gardens. It likes full sun or partial shade and dry soil. Also known as Chrysanthemum parthenium, wild chamomile, and bachelor’s buttons.
Plant Identification
Feverfew grows into a bushy shape, approximately 1 to 3 feet tall. It grows from a taproot, sprouting round, leafy stems. The leaves are yellow-green and pinnately divided into slightly rounded divisions. The upper leaves are more lobed and toothed. The leaves have a distinctive bitter aroma and taste.

Flowers appear in June to August, depending on how far north I travel. The flowers are daisy-like, only smaller, with a large yellow disk and short white rays. The center disk is flat, unlike chamomiles which are conical.
Edible Parts
Feverfew leaves are edible but strongly bitter.
Medicinal Uses
I harvest feverfew leaves and flowers shortly after the flowers appear in June and July. I always make sure I dry a supply for future use. Because of my migraines, this is a herb I never want to run out of, I keep at least three plants going.

I make the dried leaves into capsules, liquid extracts, and teas.
Typical doses are 2 to 3 leaves per day, with a proportionally reduced dose for children over the age of three. Adjust the child’s dose according to the child’s weight. A 50 lb child would take 1/3 of the adult dose.
Feverfew for Migraines
I can personally attest to the benefits of taking Feverfew regularly as a preventative for migraine headaches. I take it daily and it has reduced the frequency of migraine attacks and the intensity of the pain.
If you choose to take feverfew for migraines, you should cultivate a reliable supply and dry plenty for future use. The
migraine headaches return quickly and with intensity when the herb is discontinued or if doses are missed.
To use feverfew as a migraine preventative, I chew 1 to 4 leaves per day or drink 1 cup of Feverfew Tea daily. Perhaps take it in syrup form.
Feverfew for Arthritis
Feverfew can be taken for arthritis and rheumatism. The leaves and flowering heads are anti-inflammatory and,
taken daily, they reduce the pain and inflammation associated with these diseases. I usually recommend feverfew tea everymorning, but capsules of ground leaves are more convenient for some people.
For muscle pain and localized arthritis pain, use a Feverfew Poultice over the affected area. It relieves pain and calms the inflammation.
Feverfew for Colds and Fevers
Feverfew gets its name from its traditional use treating colds and fevers. I recommend a cup of Feverfew Tea for older
children and adults. A few drops of a warm infusion is good for colic in babies and young children.
Feverfew for Menstrual Cramps and to Regulate the Menses
Feverfew is an antispasmodic and pain reliever that is particularly good at relieving painful menstrual cramping. I
recommend a cup of feverfew tea every 2 to 3 hours as needed to control cramping. If the patient regularly suffers from painful cramping, she can begin drinking a cup or two of tea daily a day or two before the menstrual period is expected.
Do not use feverfew if you may be pregnant.

Worms or Intestinal Parasites
I also use feverfew as a cure for intestinal parasites such as roundworm, tapeworm, flukes and other parasites. It contains chemical components which kill the parasites and eliminate them from the body. I recommend chewing 2 to 3 leaves or taking up to 300 mg of powdered feverfew one to four times daily.
Warnings
Some people have an allergic reaction to feverfew and dermatitis can also occur with skin contact. Chewing the leaves can cause mouth sores in susceptible people.
If allergic to ragweed, marigold, or chrysanthemum, they may also react to feverfew.
Do not use during pregnancy or for patients who have blood coagulation problems.
Recipes
Feverfew Tea or Warm Infusion
Steep 1 heaping teaspoon of feverfew leaves and flowerheads in 1 cup of hot water. Allow the infusion to cool to lukewarm, then drink it or apply as directed.
Feverfew Poultice
Bruise a bunch of feverfew leaves and flowers and place them over the affected area. Wrap the poultice with clean fabric or gauze to hold the poultice in place. Change twice daily.

Animals

I find this invaluable for worming. I always prepare a tincture, I use this to worm my horses and pets. In this instance I do not use alcohol, I use vegetable glycerin or Apple cider vinegar.

For worming horses, I will make a decoction of feverfew or a strong tea then add ACV, this gets added to their feed. Treating them once a week works. You could also add dried feverfew, (around 600mg) I would soak it in ACV overnight, the Cider is also good for horses. Or you could also make an infused oil.

Once a week, I will add 1-2 drops of tincture to one of the cat’s meals. Seeing they can sometimes smell the herb, I mix in an anchovy past. You can also make a syrup which I find quite handy at times and add the flavouring.

If you haven’t yet gotten any Feverfew, here’s a few links to get you started.