The Medicinal Herb Feverfew
Other Common Names: Altamisa De Castilla, Amargosa, Featherfoil, Midsummer Daisy, Manzanilla, Matricaria, Varadika, Tanacetum parthenium
Range: Colombia; Dominican Republic; Mexico; S.E. Europe to Asia; Spain; Turkey; USA; Venezuela
Habitat: Mountain scrub, rocky slopes, walls, waste places and a weed of gardens, avoiding acid soils.
Feverfew (a corruption of Febrifuge, from its tonic and
fever-dispelling properties) is a composite plant growing in every
hedgerow, with numerous, small, daisy-like heads of yellow flowers with
outer white rays, the central yellow florets being arranged on a nearly
flat receptacle, not conical as in the chamomiles. The whole plant has
a strong and bitter smell, and is particularly disliked by bees.
Feverfew has gained a good reputation as a medicinal herb and
extensive research since 1970 has proved it to be of special benefit in
the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism. It
is also thought of as a herb for treating arthritis and rheumatism.
The leaves and flowering heads are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic,
aperient, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, sedative, stimulant,
stings, stomachic, vasodilator and vermifuge. The plant is gathered as
it comes into flower and can be dried for later use. Use with caution,
the fresh leaves can cause dermatitis and mouth ulcers if consumed.
This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women.
A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of
arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate
menses. An infusion is used to bathe swollen feet.
Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises etc.
Chewing 1 - 4 leaves per day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches.
The dried flower buds are a source of an insecticide. They are said
to have the same properties as pyrethrum (obtained mainly from T.
cinerariifolia). Steep 1 cupful of the dried flowers in one litre of
hot soapy water for an hour. Strain, then allow to cool slightly before
use.
Other Common Names: Altamisa De Castilla, Amargosa, Featherfoil, Midsummer Daisy, Manzanilla, Matricaria, Varadika, Tanacetum parthenium
Range: Colombia; Dominican Republic; Mexico; S.E. Europe to Asia; Spain; Turkey; USA; Venezuela
Habitat: Mountain scrub, rocky slopes, walls, waste places and a weed of gardens, avoiding acid soils.
Feverfew (a corruption of Febrifuge, from its tonic and
fever-dispelling properties) is a composite plant growing in every
hedgerow, with numerous, small, daisy-like heads of yellow flowers with
outer white rays, the central yellow florets being arranged on a nearly
flat receptacle, not conical as in the chamomiles. The whole plant has
a strong and bitter smell, and is particularly disliked by bees.
Feverfew has gained a good reputation as a medicinal herb and
extensive research since 1970 has proved it to be of special benefit in
the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism. It
is also thought of as a herb for treating arthritis and rheumatism.
The leaves and flowering heads are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic,
aperient, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, sedative, stimulant,
stings, stomachic, vasodilator and vermifuge. The plant is gathered as
it comes into flower and can be dried for later use. Use with caution,
the fresh leaves can cause dermatitis and mouth ulcers if consumed.
This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women.
A tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of
arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate
menses. An infusion is used to bathe swollen feet.
Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises etc.
Chewing 1 - 4 leaves per day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches.
The dried flower buds are a source of an insecticide. They are said
to have the same properties as pyrethrum (obtained mainly from T.
cinerariifolia). Steep 1 cupful of the dried flowers in one litre of
hot soapy water for an hour. Strain, then allow to cool slightly before
use.
- Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
- Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
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