Feverfew

Introduction

This fact sheet provides basic information about feverfew, a herb used for its flavor, scent, and potential therapeutic properties. Feverfew, which includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and roots, is originally native to the Balkan mountains of Eastern Europe. It is now found throughout Europe, North America, and South America.

Common Names

• Feverfew
• Bachelor’s buttons
• Featherfew

Latin Names

• Tanacetum parthenium
• Chrysanthemum parthenium

What It Is Used For

• Feverfew has been traditionally used for various ailments, including:
  • Fevers
  • Headaches
  • Stomach aches
  • Toothaches
  • Insect bites
  • Infertility
  • Menstrual issues and labor complications
• Recently, it has gained attention for its potential benefits in:
  • Migraine headaches
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Allergies
  • Asthma
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Dizziness, nausea, and vomiting

How It Is Used

• The dried leaves, and sometimes flowers and stems, of feverfew are used to make supplements.
• The leaves can also be consumed fresh.

What the Science Says

• Some studies suggest that feverfew may help prevent migraine headaches, but results are mixed, and more well-designed studies are needed.
• One study indicated that feverfew did not alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in women unresponsive to conventional treatments, although it may help those with milder symptoms.
• There is insufficient evidence to support feverfew’s effectiveness for other uses.
• Researchers are working on standardizing feverfew preparations for future studies on its efficacy for migraines.

Side Effects and Cautions

• Generally, no serious side effects have been reported, but some individuals may experience:
  • Canker sores
  • Swelling and irritation of the lips and tongue
  • Loss of taste
  • Nausea, digestive issues, and bloating
• Long-term users who stop taking feverfew may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, stiff muscles, and joint pain.
• Pregnant women should avoid feverfew, as it may induce uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery.
• Allergic reactions can occur, especially in individuals allergic to other daisy family members (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemums).
• It is essential to inform healthcare providers about complementary and alternative practices to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Sources

• Awang DVC, Leung AY. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). In: Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker; 2005:211-217.
• Feverfew. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L. Schultz-Bip.). Natural Standard Database.
• NCCAM National Institutes of Health