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Re: Feverfew



joanind@aol.com (Joanind) wrote:
>I am considering taking feverfew as a preventive for migraine headaches. I
>would appreciate email if anyone knows of any contra-indications to taking
>feverfew or if there are any concerns about the herb or dosages.
>
>Many thanks!
>
>Joanind@aol.com



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Feverfew
Feverfew was once thought to be a treatment for malaria.  During times of malaria outbreaks, people would plant feverfew around their homes because it was supposed to purify the air which was said to be causing their sickness.1  When it was discovered that feverfew had no effect on malaria, this feathery leafed herb almost completely dropped from the herbal world.  Fortunately, scientific studies concerning this daisy-like plant¼s ability to aid migraine headaches have made it a remedy that is here to stay.  Many people have found relief from migraines by daily chewing a couple of feverfew leaves or taking it in another form.

Studies Show:
A highly acclaimed study done with feverfew and migraine headaches was given as a random, double-blind test.  72 volunteers with a history of migraines took either a capsule of dried feverfew or a placebo daily.  The amount of feverfew given was very small.  After four months the groups were switched, the ones taking feverfew took a placebo and the ones taking a placebo took feverfew.  At the end of the experiment, 59% said that while they were taking the feverfew, they noticed a decrease in the number and severity of migraines.  24% said that while they were taking the placebo they had a decrease in migraines.2
Another study done on feverfew¼s effects on migraines involved patients who had at least a two year history of migraines.   They abstained from all headache medicine for one month.  Then they were given either 25mg of freeze-dried feverfew leaf or a placebo daily.  The patients taking the placebo reported a continual increase in the frequency and severity of headache, nausea and vomiting, while those taking feverfew noticed no change.  During this study they also found that those taking feverfew had a lower blood pressure than those on the placebo.3
Studies show that feverfew neutralizes prostaglandins,  substances involved in pain and inflammation.  This equates not only to feverfew¼s ability to stop migraines, but also to this herb¼s historic use in aiding those with menstrual pains.  Feverfew also has antispasmodic and slightly sedative properties, soothing the muscles of the body.  These properties also aid digestive upset.4
Feverfew has been shown to prevent blood clots.  A further study of feverfew¼s contents shows that the partenolide and parthenolide-like substances are responsible for this herb¼s anti-clotting effects.5  It is suspected that these anti-clotting effects also add to the reduction of migraines.
A group of researchers found that feverfew blocks the production of substances such as leukotriens which cause arthritis.6



Historical Uses:
Feverfew has been commonly used to prevent and aid headaches and migraine headaches.  It has also been used for asthma, arthritis, fever, hay fever and psoriasis, to promote menstruation and to ease female complaints, and as an insect repellant.
Recommended Doses:
Take feverfew to relieve migraine headaches.  For best results use as a preventative, 4-6 capsules daily.
Warning:
Feverfew may cause mouth sores and abdominal pain.  This herb can inhibit blood clotting, therefore if you are on anticoagulant drugs, consult with a doctor before using feverfew.7



Sources:
1. Michael Castleman, The Healing Herbs (Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1991) p. 173.
2. Christopher Hobbs, „Feverfew,¾ HerbalGram, No. 20 Spring 1989, p. 32-33.
3. Christopher Hobbs, Ibid, p. 32.
4. Michael Castleman, Ibid, p. 175.
5. Michael A. Weiner, Ph.D. and Janet Weiner, Herbs that Heal (Mill Valley California: Quantum Books, 1994) p. 155.
6. Christopher Hobbs, Ibid, p. 31.
7. Michael Castleman, Ibid, p. 175.