Scientific name: Chrysanthemum parthenium, Pyrethrum parthenium, Tanacetum parthenium

Other names: altamisa, amargosa, bachelor's button, featherfew, featherfoil, febrifuge plant, flirtwort, manzanilla, midsummer daisy, wild chamomile

Medical uses and remedies:

Allergies
Arthritis
Asthma
Bloating
Carminative
Dizziness
Emmenagogue
Fever
Flatulence and gas
Headache
Infertility
Insect bites
Labor at childbirth
Laxative
Menstruation problems
Migraines
Nausea
Psoriasis
Purgative
Rheumatoid arthritis
Stomach ache
Tinnitus
Tonic
Toothache
Vomiting
Worms

Dosage:

Capsule - 200-250 mg in the form of capsules may be taken daily for migraine prevention, and 25-75 mg of capsules may be taken twice daily to provide migraine relief.

Leaf (dried) - Around 75 mg of dried leaves may be taken daily for arthritis relief. For migraine relief, 2-3 leaves may be taken daily, during or after meals.

Leaf (fresh) - For migraine relief, 2-3 leaves may be taken daily, during or after meals.

Liquid extract - Between 100-300 mg of liquid extract is a common daily dose.

Powder - Up to 150 mg of freeze-dried powder may be taken daily.

Tablet - Tablets, usually around 125 mg, may be taken once daily.

Cautions and side effects:

Feverfew should never be taken by a pregnant or nursing woman. Children under the age of two should also not take feverfew. Certain individuals may be allergic to feverfew, and those who have allergies to other members of the daisy family are at greater risk in this area.

Longterm use of feverfew followed by a stop in its use may result in side effects such as: difficulty sleeping, headaches, joint pain, nervousness, and stiff muscles.

The more frequent side effects of feverfew use include: canker sores, lips / tongue irritation or swelling, loss of taste. Bloating, digestive issues, nausea, nervousness, and upset stomach are some generally minor or less common side effects of feverfew. Check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking any herb.

Active ingredients:

Parthenolide (at least 0.2% in standardized preparations of feverfew)

Learn about other herbal medicines: browse by common name or scientific name.