Feverfew

Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

Botanical Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)

Botanical Description

Tanacetum parthenium is a bushy perennial growing 30-60cm tall. The strongly aromatic, yellowish-green leaves are pinnately divided with rounded lobes. Small, daisy-like flowers with white rays and yellow centers bloom abundantly in summer. The entire plant has a distinctive bitter, aromatic smell. It resembles chamomile but is more robust with a different fragrance.

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Anti-inflammatory, antimigraine, febrifuge, bitter, emmenagogue.

Traditional uses: The Latin name “parthenium” suggests use in childbirth; it was also used for fevers (hence “feverfew”). In the 1970s, renewed interest focused on its migraine-preventing properties.

Modern research: Multiple clinical trials support use for migraine PREVENTION (not acute treatment). The compound parthenolide appears to inhibit serotonin release and inflammatory pathways involved in migraines.

Body Systems Affected

Nervous: Migraine prevention – must be taken daily for at least 4-6 weeks for effect.

Musculoskeletal: Anti-inflammatory for arthritis (though less evidence than for migraines).

Reproductive: Traditional emmenagogue.

Safety Information

Mouth ulcers: Fresh leaves can cause mouth sores in some people. Dried or freeze-dried preparations may be better tolerated.

Rebound headaches: Stopping suddenly after long-term use may trigger rebound headaches. Taper gradually.

Pregnancy: CONTRAINDICATED – traditional emmenagogue.

Blood thinners: May enhance anticoagulant effects.

Allergies: Those allergic to Asteraceae may react.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Zones 5-9.

Light: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained, average soil.

Sowing: Surface sow in spring – seeds need light.

Spacing: 30-45cm apart. Self-sows readily.

Harvesting

Part used: Leaves (primarily), flowering tops.

When to harvest: Before or during early flowering.

Fresh use: 2-3 fresh leaves daily is the traditional migraine prevention dose.

Drying & Storage

Dry quickly at 35°C (95°F) to preserve parthenolide content. Freeze-drying is considered optimal. Store in airtight containers away from light. Use within 1 year. Note that parthenolide content varies significantly between plants and preparations.