Feverfew: medicinal properties, contraindications and infusions

What is feverfew and what is it used for?

The feverfew (tanacetum parthenium) is a herbaceous planta between 20 and 60 cm tall, erect and highly branched, which presents the leaves segmented several times in irregular leaflets, with cut edges and numerous flower chapters, composed of a conical central bud, with tubular flowers of a golden yellow color, and white, oval ligules around them.

Contains an essential oil with alpha-pinene and borneolsesquiterpene lactones such as parthenolidephytosterols, camphor and tannins.

Studies carried out in Great Britain proved the efficacy of parthenolidepresent in the chemical composition of feverfew, to inhibit the release of serotonina hormone related to the appearance of migraine attacks.

More recent experiments have suggested the importance of a flavonoid, called tannetinas responsible for his action anti-inflammatory.

Feverfew medicinal properties

The truth is alone or in combination with other plants, feverfew infusion can offer relief to those affected by more or less intense headachesThe feverfew has above all a preventive effect, so it should be taken into account by those who have a certain predisposition to suffer from migraines periodically. Besides calms the pain and reduces the frequency in which it appears, eliminating the associated neurovegetative symptoms.Feverfew is analgesic and sedative and shows antispasmodic and emmenagogue virtues, revealing itself as a highly recommended natural aid for the health of young women. Relieves premenstrual tension, regulates menstrual flow and can provoke it when it is little or absent.It also stands out as a mild digestive tonicuseful in case of heavy or slow digestion, bloating, gas formationand as a means to stimulate the appetite.Due to its anti-inflammatory actionis used, especially in the form of tincture, to relieve rheumatic and muscular pain.At the external level, it indicates to reduce swelling in insect bites.

Feverfew infusion for migraine

A very suitable formula in persistent migraines is the one that combines equal parts feverfew with basil, marjoram and rosemarya teaspoon of the mixture per cup of water.

How to prepare it: Pour the plants in when the water starts to boil and let it rest for approximately 5 to 8 minutes, covered. Once filtered, a hot cup is taken before eating, which can be sweetened with a pinch of rosemary honey.

Precautions and contraindications

is especially contraindicated to combine it with anticoagulant treatments and should be avoided pregnancy and in children under 3 years old.

Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”