Feverfew is a Remarkable Plant
The perennial Feverfew herb is known for its delicate daisy flowers, and powerful medicinal properties. It is originally from the Balkan Peninsula but has spread worldwide due to its use in traditional medicine. Feverfew, also known scientifically as Tanacetum Parthenium is a popular natural remedy. This humble herb has been credited with a wide range of health benefits, from migraines and fevers to digestive problems, skin disorders, and even digestive disorders. As with all herbs, this herb must be treated with care and knowledge.
Feverfew: A Brief Overview
Feverfew is a member of the Asteraceae, which includes sunflowers, daisies and chrysanthemums. It can reach a height up to 70cm, and has small white flowers with leaves that smell of citrus. Feverfew is mainly grown as a medicinal plant, but some gardeners also enjoy it for its decorative value.
Media and scientists have paid feverfew a lot of attention over the years. Many health publications feature articles on the benefits of feverfew. These include its ability to reduce migraines and headaches. Scientific studies are also looking at the chemical makeup of feverfew to try and understand its exact therapeutic properties.
Feverfew: Its alleged benefits
Since ancient times, feverfew is used as a traditional remedy to treat various ailments. The most common are migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, stomachaches, toothaches and insect bites. The oil can also be applied topically to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
These claims have been supported by several clinical studies . According to an article published in Pharmacognosy Review, feverfew’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties can be attributed by a parthenolide compound. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology suggested that feverfew could help to reduce migraines' frequency and intensity.
The following are key points.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of feverfew can help relieve pain.
- This may reduce migraine frequency and severity.
- Uses include treating arthritis, stomachaches and toothaches as well as insect bites and skin inflammation.
Feverfew Experts' Opinions
Researchers and medical professionals have been interested in feverfew because of its therapeutic potential. Experts acknowledge that the herb has been used for centuries, but caution against using it without guidance because of possible side effects. The experts also stress the importance of more rigorous trials in order to determine its safety and efficacy.
An article published in The American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy revealed that some studies showed feverfew to be effective at preventing migraines while others didn't. Experts concluded that while patients can consider feverfew for alternative therapies, they should first consult healthcare professionals.
Feverfew: How to Get Started
It's important to know the dosage recommended and where you can get it. Feverfew comes in many forms including tablets, capsules, liquid extract and dried leaves to make tea. The most common form of feverfew is the freeze-dried capsules. They are thought to preserve the medicinal properties the best.
For migraine prevention, 50-100mg extract of feverfew is usually taken daily. You should be aware that it may take several months or weeks for feverfew to show any noticeable results. Start with the lowest dose possible to see how your body reacts.
To ensure quality and safety, only buy feverfew products from trusted suppliers. When buying herbal supplements, always check the certifications and testing by third parties.
Feverfew Side Effects
As with all herbal supplements and herbs, there are side effects to feverfew. Some may have milder side effects such as nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Rarely, severe reactions such as allergic reactions or mouth ulcers can also occur.
The long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as joint pain, headaches and insomnia. It's important to speak with your healthcare provider about the effects of using feverfew. This is especially true for those with existing health problems or who are taking other medication.
Summary of Feverfew
The history of feverfew in traditional medicine is rich. The purported health benefits of feverfew, especially in relation to migraines and inflammation have attracted a lot of attention. It's important to use it with caution because of the potential side effects. Consult a medical professional prior to beginning any supplement regimen.
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