Even though it is claimed to be a safe herb, feverfew may cause certain side effects in some users.
Feverfew is a herb that has been used as a remedy for various medical conditions, like migraine, arthritis, fever, skin disorders, infertility, etc. It is found to be effective in preventing migraine headaches. Though it is widely used as a herbal remedy, it cannot be said that feverfew is totally free of side effects.
The adverse effects of feverfew may not be the same for all users. While some users develop allergic reactions, others may experience digestive problems. There are users, who do not experience any side effect at all. The nature of side effects may vary with the type of treatment. For example, oral discomfort develops in those who chew fresh leaves of feverfew, and topical application may sometimes cause skin irritation. Here is a list of some common side effects caused by feverfew.
- Nausea, Vomiting
- Indigestion, Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating, Flatulence
- Constipation/Diarrhea
- Indigestion, Weight gain
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Sleep problems, Skin rash
- Nervousness, Dizziness
- Headache, Palpitation
- Joint stiffness
Those who chew fresh leaves of this herb may develop side effects, like canker sores, swelling of lips and tongue, loss of taste, etc. Pregnant and nursing women, and those with stomach ulcers, must avoid use of feverfew. Withdrawal symptoms may develop in those, who discontinue the use of this herb, after long-term use. Feverfew may also cause drug interactions, especially with blood thinning medication. Use of contaminated feverfew products may also lead to side effects.
In short, side effects of feverfew may vary from one user to another. If you plan to use this herb as a herbal remedy, then contact a qualified herbalist, who can guide you with proper dosage and other usage instructions. Avoid long-term use, and if you experience any side effects, discontinue its use and contact your doctor. In case of severe side effects, immediate medical attention must be sought.
Feverfew Health Benefits
Feverfew is a herb that belongs to the sunflower family, and is native to the southeastern regions of Europe. This herb, which is also grown as an ornamental plant, is said to be used by the natives as a herbal remedy, for a very long time. The plant is otherwise known as Anacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium or Tanacetum parthenium. It is bushy in nature and produces small white flowers. The flowers that resemble daisies, have a very strong odor. The yellow-green leaves of feverfew are citrus scented. The name feverfew is derived from the Latin word that means fever reducer. It is the dried leaves, that are mainly used for medicinal purposes. This herb is available in both fresh and dried forms. Feverfew capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid extract, are available in the market.
Feverfew is the most popular alternative to conventional migraine medication. This therapeutic effect of feverfew has been supported by various surveys and trials on humans. It is said that the active ingredient in feverfew, called parthenolide, can reduce inflammation of blood vessels in the head, thereby preventing blood vessel spasms, that can lead to migraine. However, this herb may not have any significant effect in case of those, with acute migraine. Those with long-term migraine may find the herb effective for reducing the frequency of attacks. Parthenolide is also claimed to be beneficial for reducing inflammation, and also for preventing growth of cancer cells.
Due to the anti-inflammatory property of feverfew, this herb is also claimed to be effective for alleviating symptoms of arthritis. It is also believed to have analgesic, laxative, and carminative properties. Feverfew is also used for treating fever, certain skin disorders, menstrual irregularities, allergies, bloating, and flatulence.
