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Feverfew – Benefits, Uses & Dosage

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to prevent migraines, reduce fever, and relieve inflammation through its key active compound parthenolide.

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Things worth knowing about "Feverfew"

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to prevent migraines, reduce fever, and relieve inflammation through its key active compound parthenolide.

What is Feverfew?

Feverfew (botanical name: Tanacetum parthenium, formerly known as Chrysanthemum parthenium) is a perennial flowering herb belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, it is now cultivated worldwide. The plant is easily recognized by its small, daisy-like white and yellow flowers and its characteristic, slightly bitter scent. Feverfew has a long history in traditional European medicine as a remedy for headaches, fever, and menstrual complaints – the German name Mutterkraut (literally meaning mother herb) reflects this historical use.

Active Compounds and Mechanism of Action

The primary bioactive compound in feverfew is parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone found predominantly in the leaves of the plant. Other constituents include additional sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and essential oils.

Parthenolide inhibits the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which plays a central role in inflammatory responses.
It suppresses the release of serotonin from platelets, a mechanism thought to be relevant to migraine initiation.
Feverfew also inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules.
Additionally, it reduces the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells.

Traditional Use

Feverfew has been used medicinally since ancient times. During the Middle Ages, it was regarded as a versatile remedy for fevers, headaches, and uterine complaints. The English botanist John Parkinson referenced the plant in the 17th century as an effective treatment for all types of head pain. Traditionally, feverfew was used for:

Migraine headaches and general headaches
Fever reduction (hence the common name Feverfew)
Menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea
Rheumatic conditions and joint inflammation
Dizziness and tinnitus

Scientific Evidence and Medical Use

The best-documented therapeutic application of feverfew is the prevention of migraine attacks. Several clinical studies suggest that regular use of feverfew extracts can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes. While the overall evidence is promising, results have not been entirely consistent across all trials, and most clinical guidelines recommend feverfew only as a complementary approach rather than a first-line treatment.

In the European Union, feverfew is authorized as a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product (THMP) specifically for the prevention of migraine headaches, provided that a medical diagnosis of migraine has been established.

Dosage and Administration

The dosage of feverfew products is generally standardized according to their parthenolide content. Commonly recommended guidelines for migraine prevention include:

Dried leaves: 50–150 mg per day
Standardized extracts: Containing at least 0.2–0.5 mg of parthenolide per day
Treatment should be maintained over a longer period (at least 1–3 months) for a preventive effect to develop.

Feverfew is commercially available in capsules, tablets, and dry extracts. The use of fresh leaves is less advisable due to their unpleasant taste and variable active compound content.

Side Effects and Safety

Feverfew is generally considered well-tolerated when used as directed, but may cause the following side effects in some individuals:

Oral mucosal irritation (particularly with fresh leaf consumption): mouth ulcers, swelling, burning
Gastrointestinal complaints: nausea, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding
Contact dermatitis: allergic skin reactions, especially in individuals allergic to plants of the daisy family
Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use may trigger a post-feverfew syndrome: rebound migraines, anxiety, and sleep disturbances

Contraindications and Interactions

Feverfew should not be used in the following situations:

Pregnancy: Feverfew may stimulate uterine contractions and could trigger premature labor – strictly contraindicated.
Allergy to Asteraceae plants (e.g., chamomile, arnica, chrysanthemums): cross-reactions are possible.
Breastfeeding and children under 12 years: safety has not been sufficiently established.
Anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, heparin): feverfew may prolong bleeding time and potentiate the effects of blood-thinning agents.

References

European Medicines Agency (EMA): Community herbal monograph on Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch. Bip., herba. EMA/HMPC/234581/2009. London, 2011.
Pareek A, et al. - Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2011;5(9):103-110.
Wider B, et al. - Feverfew for preventing migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2004;(1):CD002286.

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