Feverfew,Dioscorides's Fever Reducer or febrifugia,what is the history of this pretty daisy-like flower?
Contents
-
- Basic Botanical Data of Feverfew.
- Cultivation of FeverFew:Feverfew Related Species.
- Feverfew History.
- Phytochemicals and Constituents.
- How FeverFew works in the body and Mechanism.
- Medicinal Action and Uses.
- Modern interest of Tanacetum parthenium.
- Modern Research Update.
- FAQ:Frequently Asked Questions of FeverFew.
- Feverfew:Identification by HPTLC Fingerprint.
- Research Update:FeverFew or Tanacetum parthenium.
Modern interest of Tanacetum parthenium.:
Used for the prevention of migraines and headaches, arthritis, fevers, muscle tension and pain, Feverfew is also used to lower blood pressure, lessen stomach irritation, stimulate the appetite and to improve digestion and kidney function. It has been indicated for colitis, dizziness, tinnitus and menstrual problems.
Preventing migraine headaches:
Modern interest in the plant has been focused on its use in preventing migraine headaches. Research on the efficacy of the plant in preventing migraines found that most patients reported less frequent and less painful migraines (Pfaffenrath 2002).
According to The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, Feverfew can be taken fresh or as a tincture. Two to three fresh leaves may be eaten daily on a piece of bread; as a tincture, 5 drops with water up to three times a day (1996).
You may refer to the American Botanical Council's Herb Reference Guide and scroll down to feverfew leaf for more information on dosage, contradictions and possible side effects.
Herbal medicine has an impressive track record in treating migraines and chronic headaches. Feverfew treats the cause of the headaches rather than simply the pain. Both the British Medical Journal and the Harvard Medical School Health Letter have paid tribute to the success of feverfew in relieving migraines.
Scientific Prove and Mechanism:
Clinical tests have shown the use of feverfew may reduce of frequency and severity of headaches. It may be more effective than other nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDS), like aspirin. It is the combination of ingredients in the feverfew plant that brings such effective relief. It works to inhibit the release of two inflammatory substances, serotonin and prostaglandins, both believed to contribute to the onset of migraines. By inhibiting these amines as well as the production of the chemical histamine, the herb controls inflammation that constricts the blood vessels in the head and prevents blood vessel spasms which may contribute to headaches.
Easing menstrual cramps:
Menstrual cramps occur when the uterine lining produces too much prostaglandin, a hormone that can cause pain and inflammation. Because it can help limit the release of prostaglandin, feverfew may have a role to play in easing menstrual cramps. While more research is required, there's probably no harm in starting to take feverfew a day before you anticipate that your menstrual cramps will begin
Relieving the pain and inflammation of arthritis:
Feverfew has also been used for relieving the pain and inflammation of arthritis. It is known that chemicals in feverfew may reduce the body's production of substances that initiate and prolong inflammation, which is the body's response to irritation, injury, or infection. Inflammation usually includes pain, redness, and swelling in the area of the damage ,and it can occur within body tissues as well as on the surface of the skin. Chemicals in feverfew are thought to prevent blood components called platelets from releasing inflammatory substances. Feverfew may also reduce the body's production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances made in the body and involved in regulating a number of body functions including blood pressure, blood vessel tone, and temperature, as well as inflammation. All of these effects could help relieve fever, arthritis, and migraines.
Other Functions:
Additional benefits include lower blood pressure, less stomach irritation and a renewed sense of well-being. Feverfew has been used to stimulate appetite, and improve digestion and kidney function. It may also relieve dizziness, tinnitus, and painful or sluggish menstruation. Its extracts have been claimed to relieve asthma, coughs, dermatitis and worms.
25 million Americans spend $5 billion a year on medication for migraines. But many of the over-the-counter and prescription pain killers have a "rebound effect" after a period of use. The unfortunate consequence is that the drug actually begins to cause the headache. Feverfew does not have this problem and is recommended by experts such as Dr. Andrew Weil as an effective alternative for headache sufferers. Since Feverfew is a fraction of the cost of the pharmaceutical drugs and has been shown to be effective for over two-thirds of those who use it consistently, the savings could be enormous.
Aerial Parts Use of FeverFew:
Fresh: Eat one large leaf daily as a prophylactic against migraines.
Infusion: Drink a weak infusion (15 g herb to 500 ml water) after childbirth to encourage cleansing and tonifying of the uterus; also for menstrual pain associated with sluggish flow and congestion.
Tincture: Take 5 - 10 drops every 30 minutes at the onset of a migraine; it is best for "cold"-type migraines, involving tightening of the cerebral blood vessels and eased by applying a hot towel to the head. For the acute stages of rheumatoid arthritis, add up to 2 ml tincture, three times a day, to other herbal remedies.
Poultic: Saute the fresh herb in a little oil, and apply hot to the abdomen for colicky pains.
Reference:
-
- 1.Feverfew,Dioscorides's Fever Reducer or febrifugia,what is the history of this pretty daisy-like flower?
Article Information:
♥The article and literature was edited by herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional.It runs a range of online descriptions about the titled herb and related phytochemicals,including comprehensive information related,summarized updating discoveries from findings of herbalists and clinical scientists from this field.The electronic data information published at our official website www.mdidea.com and www.mdidea.net,we tried best to update it to latest and exact as possible.
♣ last edit date:
