Feverfew- Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Feverfew is an herbal product that is used as a homoeopathic migraine treatment. According to studies, this herbal remedy reduces pain, has anticancer properties, improves mood, and treats acne.

The scientific name for feverfew is Tanacetum parthenium, and it belongs to the family Asteraceae, which also includes sunflowers. Its name comes from the Latin term febrifuga, which means a medicine that lowers fever. This medicinal herb has been utilised for treating fevers and other inflammatory conditions since the dawn of time. It is also referred to as "featherfew" and "wild chamomile," and it has long been a popular herbal cure in traditional European folk medicine. Additionally, due to its success in treating medical conditions, this herbal remedy is referred to as the "mediaeval aspirin."

The leaves of feverfew contain a bioactive substance called parthenolide in large amounts. Additionally, it has a lot of volatile oils and flavonoids that can help prevent blood vessel constriction in the brain, reduce inflammation, and ease muscle spasms.

Early use of feverfew:

The Latin term febrifuga, which means "fever reducer" or "to drive out fevers," is the root of the English word "feverfew." Feverfew has a long history of traditional use, and the Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides prescribed a decoction of herb to labouring women to hasten the birthing process by accelerating contractions. The Romans used it as an emmenagogue to start or augment menstrual flow and to help the placenta expel after difficult deliveries.

It became well-known as a treatment for migraines after the Welsh doctor's wife wrote about how she used it to end a 50-year battle with these crippling headaches. She reportedly used three Feverfew leaves every day for ten months, during which time her migraines completely vanished. The scientific community has responded by conducting numerous research on the use of feverfew as a migraine preventive tool.

Health benefits of feverfew:

Feverfew extracts and leaves, whether dried or fresh, are thought to have a variety of possible health benefits. It is a powerful herbal treatment for psoriasis, menstrual cramps, asthma, skin, and gastrointestinal issues in conventional medicine.

1. Migraines Treatment

One side of the head is typically affected by the throbbing pain of migraines. The bioactive components of feverfew extracts, including parthenolide and tanetin, have been shown in numerous studies to inhibit the formation of prostaglandins, which are known to promote inflammation and relax the blood vessels. As a result, supplements containing feverfew are successful in treating and preventing migraines.

2. Minimises inflammation

Feverfew is thought to contain volatile oils that have anti-inflammatory properties that can successfully reduce inflammation in the human body. This traditional herbal remedy is effective in treating gout, arthritis, joint pain, and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

3. Cures acne

By reducing inflammation, feverfew extracts with parthenolide components are beneficial for treating skin conditions like acne and rosacea. Applying a topical solution to the afflicted areas lessens skin sensitivity and fights acne-causing germs.

4. Reduces Fever

Traditional medicines have employed the feverfew plant to treat fevers and ward off infections. This extraordinary herb acts to increase sweat and remove toxins from the body, hastening recuperation and reducing inflammation.

5. Reduces Premenstrual Pain

The majority of women experience cramps, stomach distention, mood changes, pain, and profuse bleeding during their periods, which can be painful. Regular consumption of feverfew extracts has been shown to ease period discomfort and restore normal menstrual blood flow.

6. Hunger Stimulator

By enhancing the hormonal activity that causes hunger, feverfew acts as a natural appetite stimulant. By boosting appetite, this medicinal plant aids in the healing process and supports attempts to help those who are underweight or malnourished gain weight.

7. Enhances Cardiac Health

Extracts from the feverfew plant stop the body from making prostaglandins, which raise blood pressure. By preventing toxins from attacking blood vessels and relaxing blood vessels, feverfew protects the heart and reduces the risk of cardiovascular illnesses, which in turn reduces the incidence of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke.