Feverfew
Elizabeth Loper, Pre-med student Spring 2022
Scientific Name: Tanacetum parthenium Common Names: Wild quinine, featherfew, altamisa, bachelor’s button, wild chamomile, nosebleed, flirtroot Name comes from the Latin word febrifugia which means “fever reducer”
Background/history: • • • • • • • •
Used by Greek and European herbalists From Balkan peninsula Aspirin of the 18th century Used as an antipyretic Often mistaken for chamomile Found in upland prairie areas and glades in North America Some Native American tribes used it for a poultice Grows in clusters Available forms: Leaves, fresh or dried Fluid extracts
Typical dosing: Daily dose of 50-150 mg of dried leaves OR
Tea
Five to 20 drops fluid extract
Pharmacology:
• The parts of feverfew that have medicinal effects are sesquiterpene lactones, and the parthenolide compounds found in the leaf glands. • Polar flavonoids block prostaglandin synthesis. • There is also cytotoxic action that interrupts DNA replication which may result in anticancer activity.
Common Uses:
Feverfew can be used for fevers, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. However, the most common uses are for migraines and anti-inflammatory purposes, such as arthritis.
61
