FeverFew
Feverfew is a native plant found in Eurasia particulary in Anatolia, Balkan Peninsula and the Caucasus. It has a daisy like flowers and is grown for ornament but more importantly for medicinal purposes. This plant bears the scientific name of Tanacetum parthenium which belongs to the asteraceae or sunflower family. It is otherwise known as wild chamomile and featherfew.
Today it has been grown in other parts of the globe particularly the Mediterranean, Europe, Chile and the North America. It grows in most climate zones and can be grown practically indoors.
The dried leaves and flowers and stems of the feverfew are used as the herbal medicine. It contains the compound parthenolide, a powerful anti inflammatory. It also helps relieve smooth muscle tissue spasm which made it really effective in relieving migraines. These herb is prepared as tablets and capsules as well as liquid form and tea form.
Introduction:
Feverfew has been used to reduce fever, relieves headaches, helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks as well as relieves it from discomfort and is used against rheumatoid arthritis for its anti inflammatory properties.
Studies state that feverfew works by inhibiting the serotonin and prostaglandins release that helps with the prevention of migraine attacks and also inhibits swelling of blood vessels in the head.
Feverfew can be prepared as a tea or tisane.
It can be taken warm or cool as general tonic. It helps boost the health and aids to ease any anxiety or depression. Half cup of it twice a day can be beneficial. The effects can be seen within a week.
For migraine headaches:
100 – 300 mg, up to 4x daily
This should prevent or stop a migraine headache.
Feverfew supplements may also be carbon dioxide extracted. Take 6.25 mg, 3x daily for up to four months.
For rheumatoid arthritis: 120 – 60 drops, 2x daily of a 1:1 w/v fluid extract, or 60 – 120 drops two times daily of 1:5 w/v tincture.
The WebMD said “Feverfew might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking feverfew along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications.”
Feverfew has been found to be effective in the prevention of migraine headaches, lowering down of fever, helps with rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments. However, taking feverfew must not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It may cause contractions of the uterine which may result to miscarriage or premature labor. The safety of feverfew to breastfeeding mothers have not been established yet. Individuals with known history of allergies to food, dyes and preservatives must also be warned against its use.
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References:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-933-FEVERFEW.aspx?activeIngredientId=933&activeIngredientName=FEVERFEW
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/feverfew-000243.htm#ixzz1weBg09nv
http://www.livestrong.com/article/165280-feverfew-tinctures/#ixzz1we9SMBVz
http://www.ehow.com/how_2302961_use-feverfew-healing.html
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/feverfew-000243.htm