Common Names: Feverfew, bachelor's buttons, featherfew, European feverfew

Scientific Names: Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Matricaria parthenium

Background

• Feverfew is a perennial herb with leaves similar to chrysanthemum and flowers that resemble daisies.

• It originally grew in parts of western Asia and the Balkans but is now cultivated across the globe.

• Traditionally, people have used feverfew to address issues such as breathing problems, digestive irregularities, menstrual discomfort, liver and kidney concerns, ear pain, ringing in the ears, fever, infertility, and low red blood cell count.

• Today, people take feverfew for its potential benefits in easing migraine symptoms, relaxing blood vessels, providing minor pain relief—particularly for headaches and joints—and alleviating skin irritation when applied externally.

• This European herb is different from American feverfew (Parthenium integrifolium), a species native to eastern parts of the United States.

How Much Do We Know?

• Several human studies have explored the potential of feverfew to prevent migraines. A 2020 review assessed seven small clinical trials involving 634 individuals. These studies varied in their methods, forms of feverfew used, and dosage levels, leading to mixed and inconclusive outcomes.

• Research regarding feverfew’s effectiveness for conditions other than migraines remains minimal or lacking.

What Have We Learned?

• Some clinical evidence indicates that feverfew might help reduce the number of migraine attacks and ease symptoms such as head pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sounds.

• Current data is insufficient to determine its usefulness for other health issues.

What Do We Know About Safety?

• No severe side effects have been consistently linked to feverfew. Some users have reported mild reactions like nausea, digestive discomfort, or bloating. Chewing fresh leaves may irritate the mouth.

• Individuals sensitive to plants in the ragweed family may be allergic to feverfew.

• When used on the skin, feverfew may cause redness or irritation (dermatitis).

• Because feverfew might impair blood clotting, it should be discontinued at least two weeks prior to surgery.

• Feverfew could interact with certain medications, including those prescribed for migraines. Speak with your healthcare professional before combining any herbal remedy with medications.

• Pregnant individuals should avoid feverfew, as it may impact uterine contractions. There's limited information on the safety of using feverfew while nursing, so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Keep in Mind

• Managing your health includes discussing any natural or complementary products you use with your healthcare provider. Joint decision-making leads to better care outcomes.

• Herbal Product Oversight: Regulation of herbal products differs based on their content, purpose, and method of use. Many are sold as dietary supplements, which aren’t held to the same standards as pharmaceutical drugs.

• Unlike prescription medications, dietary supplements don’t require pre-approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before reaching the market. Still, the FDA can act to safeguard public health if issues arise.

• Supplement manufacturers are accountable for evaluating their products and ensuring accurate labels before distribution to meet all federal rules.

Key References

• Feverfew. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). National Library of Medicine; 2022.

• Feverfew entry from a professional natural medicine database, accessed April 2023.

• Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Drummond PD. A systematic review examining herbal remedies, including feverfew, for migraines. Phytotherapy Research. 2020; 34(10):2493–2517.

Important Notes

This material is in the public domain and reproduction is encouraged.

The information provided here is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your health provider when considering treatment options, including herbal products. Mentioning a product, service, or approach does not imply endorsement.