Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum parthenium, Matricaria parthenium, Pyrethrum parthenium, Tanacetum parthenium
Common Names: , Altamisa, Bachelor's Buttons, Bride's button, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Febrifuge plant, Feverfew, Flirtwort, Pyrethrum, Wild Chamomile
USDA Planting Zones: Can be grown as a perennial in almost every USDA zone, but may need special care in colder climes.
Perennial/Annual: Short lived Perennial that self-seeds
Sun Requirements: Partial shade to Full Sun
Moisture Requirements: Average to Moist (not wet)
Soil PH: Neutral or Alkaline
Height – 20 to 36 inches
Spread – 8 to 12 inches
Getting started: Seeds can be started indoors or in the garden.
Other Growing Instructions: Seeds must have light to grow. Places seeds on soil and lightly press down to ensure contact is made with the soil. Do not cover the seeds with soil. Remember to allow enough of the flowers to go to head to reseed your bed.
Parts used in Medicinal Preparations
Both leaves and flowers can be used in making herbal remedies. Both are usually made into tea, tincture or infusion to administer. Many herbal remedies use the leaves and flowers interchangeably while others show a preference for one or the other. I suggest you know your source and trust your instinct.
Medicinal uses
The most researched use of Feverfew is in treating headaches and migraines. There have been several scientific studies that point to it being successful in treating them. Ancient Greeks use it to treat both menstrual pain and to reduce inflammation from injury and arthritis.
For many centuries, women have used it to help prevent problems during childbirth and labor. Fresh leaves can be crushed or rubbed together to free the natural plant juices, then rubbed on the skin to help alleviate skin disorders, rash, bug bites, psoriasis and such.
Feverfew has been used to treat toothache by chewing on fresh leaves. You should not that this often causes mouth sores, numbness of the entire mouth and lips, loss of taste and swelling of the lips, mouth and tongue. There has not been enough research to say if this is some type of adverse reaction or an effect of chewing for too long.
Precautions and Interactions
Anyone can have an allergic reaction to any herbs so always use caution when taking an herb for the first time. Persons with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow are more apt to be allergic to Feverfew and should not use it. Some people do experience bloating, diarrhea, gas, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting when first taking feverfew.
If you take any type of blood thinner, taking feverfew could cause excessing bleeding. If you are going to have surgery, be sure to tell your doctor you have been using feverfew as there is the possibility of interacting with anesthesia and an increased danger of severe bleeding.
For those who take feverfew regularly to control headaches, do not abruptly stop taking it. Doing so can cause rebound headaches.
If you take any medication on a regular basis, check with your doctor before using feverfew. There is the possibility of interaction with medications that are broken down in the liver. Your doctor will have the information needed to ensure there are no problems with your current medications.
Sources:
umm.edu