Summary
Feverfew, also known as medieval aspirin or wild chamomile, is an herb with anti-inflammatory properties.
Feverfew is most often used to prevent migraines. Feverfew’s effect increases in strength for the first 12 weeks of supplementation, at which point it can be taken indefinitely. Feverfew appears to be effective at reducing the severity and frequency of migraines when supplemented in this way. Limited evidence suggests feverfew supplementation may also reduce the length of a migraine and alleviate the increased sensory sensitivity that occurs during a migraine.
Traditionally, feverfew has been used to alleviate arthritis and inflammation. In vitro evidence suggests that feverfew is a very potent anti-inflammatory herb, but limited human evidence suggests supplementation has no effect on rheumatoid arthritis.
The active compound in feverfew is called parthenolide. It is responsible for feverfew’s anti-inflammatory effects, and it may also have a potent anti-cancer mechanism. Since no human studies have investigated feverfew in the context of cancer, more research is needed to confirm this effect.
Feverfew is safe to supplement, but topical application may result in an allergic reaction. If feverfew supplementation results in reddening or scaly skin, cease supplementation. Pregnant women should not supplement feverfew.
What are other names for Feverfew
- Tanacetum parthenium
- Wild Chamomile
- Featherfew
- Chrysanthemum parthenium
- Matricaria parthenium
- Pyrenthrum parthenium
- Leucanthemum parthenium
- mutterroot
- midsummer daisy
- nosebleed
- Medieval Aspirin
- 18th century Aspirin
Dosage information
The standard adult dose for feverfew supplementation is 100-300 mg of a feverfew supplement containing 0.2%-0.4% parthenolide, taken one to four times a day.
Children younger than two should not be given feverfew. The standard feverfew dose for children is based off of a standard adult weight of 150 lbs. For example, if a child weighs 50lbs, the dose is one-third of the adult dose.
Liquid and tincture feverfew supplements are sometimes used to alleviate arthritis. The suggested dose is 60 – 120 drops of 1:1 (fluid) supplement or a 1:5 (tincture) supplement, taken twice a day.
Examine Database: Feverfew
Research Breakdown
Examine Database References
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - Pattrick M, Heptinstall S, Doherty MFeverfew in rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind, placebo controlled studyAnn Rheum Dis.(1989 Jul)
- Erythema - Sur R, Martin K, Liebel F, Lyte P, Shapiro S, Southall MAnti-inflammatory activity of parthenolide-depleted Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)Inflammopharmacology.(2009 Feb)
- Migraine Symptoms - Johnson ES, Kadam NP, Hylands DM, Hylands PJEfficacy of feverfew as prophylactic treatment of migraineBr Med J (Clin Res Ed).(1985 Aug 31)
- Migraine Symptoms - Pfaffenrath V, Diener HC, Fischer M, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH; InvestigatorsThe efficacy and safety of Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew) in migraine prophylaxis--a double-blind, multicentre, randomized placebo-controlled dose-response studyCephalalgia.(2002 Sep)
- Migraine Symptoms - Murphy JJ, Heptinstall S, Mitchell JRRandomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine preventionLancet.(1988 Jul 23)
- Migraine Symptoms - Diener HC, Pfaffenrath V, Schnitker J, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HHEfficacy and safety of 6.25 mg t.i.d. feverfew CO2-extract (MIG-99) in migraine prevention--a randomized, double-blind, multicentre, placebo-controlled studyCephalalgia.(2005 Nov)