Feverfew Tea Benefits

Feverfew is a remarkable plant with a rich history and proven benefits, particularly for reducing inflammation and managing migraines.

Primary Key Points

Fever Reducer: Feverfew has a long history as a remedy for fevers and inflammatory conditions, often referred to as "medieval aspirin" due to its powerful effects.

Migraine Relief: Feverfew effectively reduces the frequency and severity of migraines. Its active compound, parthenolide, helps block inflammatory pathways, making it a natural treatment for migraine sufferers.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Feverfew's compounds, particularly parthenolide, help reduce inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and pathways, benefiting conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Potential Anti-Epileptic: Feverfew has shown promise as a natural remedy for epilepsy due to its interaction with brain mechanisms that promote calmness.

Combination with Other Remedies: Feverfew has been found to enhance the effects of other natural remedies like ginger and acupuncture, especially in treating migraines.

What is Feverfew

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a charming flowering plant from the Asteraceae family, but don't let its delicate appearance fool you! Its name has ancient roots, derived from the Latin word "febrifugia," which translates to "fever reducer."

This little powerhouse was traditionally hailed as a remedy for fevers and inflammatory conditions, earning the nickname "medieval aspirin" along the way [1].

Feverfew is fascinating because its active compounds, especially parthenolide, are found primarily in its leaves. This compound is believed to be the key to many of feverfew's impressive health benefits.

Alongside parthenolide, feverfew also boasts flavonoids and volatile oils, making it a potent natural remedy worth exploring.

Feverfew Tea Benefits

1. Antiepileptic Activity

Feverfew could potentially be a natural remedy for epilepsy.

Research shows that an ethanolic feverfew extract is strongly associated with the GABAA-benzodiazepine site, crucial in the brain's calming mechanisms. This effect is likely due to the flavonoid apigenin in feverfew [2].

Feverfew shines when it comes to fighting inflammation. The key player here is parthenolide, which helps by blocking a pathway known as NF-kappaB. This pathway is crucial in producing inflammatory responses in the body [3].

Parthenolide achieves this by inhibiting I-kappaB kinase beta (IKK-beta), a critical activator in this pathway. This action helps reduce inflammation, which is particularly beneficial in treating migraines.

Moreover, feverfew contains trans-chrysanthenyl acetate, found in its essential oil, which inhibits prostaglandin synthetase, another contributor to inflammation [4]. Several clinical trials have supported the effectiveness of feverfew in treating migraines.

In three clinical trials involving almost 400 people, feverfew extract significantly reduced the number and severity of migraine attacks, the number of attacks requiring bed rest, and the frequency of vomiting [5].

Another study on 69 women with frequent migraines found that the combination of feverfew and acupuncture provided better pain management and improved quality of life compared to using either treatment alone [6].

Combinations of feverfew with other natural remedies have also shown promise. In two trials involving 89 people, a combination of feverfew and ginger (LipiGesic and Gelstat) effectively reduced migraine symptoms [7].

Similarly, a small trial on 12 people found that a combination of feverfew and willow extract (Mig-RL) prevented migraine attacks and reduced their intensity [8].

2. Anti-inflammatory Action

Feverfew has been a trusted natural remedy for inflammation for thousands of years. The ancient Greek physician Pedanius Dioscorides famously recommended it for treating "all hot inflammations and swellings." [9]

Modern research has dived into the science behind feverfew's healing powers, focusing on a compound called parthenolide found in the plant.

In studies with hepatitis, parthenolide was shown to reduce several inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-17A, IL-1beta, and IL-6, which helped improve liver function [10].

Parthenolide's benefits extend to brain health as well. In multiple sclerosis patients, it lowers IL-17, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma levels, helping to reduce brain inflammation [11].

These cytokines are also linked to depression, suggesting that parthenolide might have potential antidepressant effects.

In cases with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), parthenolide improved colon inflammation by blocking a critical inflammatory pathway (NF-κB) and reducing levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta [12].

Similarly, in cases with cystic fibrosis, parthenolide reduced inflammation by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation [13].

Parthenolide also showed promise in reducing joint inflammation with arthritis and decreasing inflammation in skin cells by blocking NF-κB [14].

Interestingly, feverfew's anti-inflammatory effects aren't solely dependent on parthenolide. Even when this compound is removed, feverfew can still block the release of inflammatory molecules like nitric oxide, PGE2, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-gamma from white blood cells [15].

Feverfew remains a fascinating plant with multiple components working together to reduce inflammation and promote health.

Safety and Side Effects

Feverfew is generally considered safe, with minimal side effects reported.

However, most research has only focused on its short-term use. The long-term effects, beyond four months, remain unknown.

In some instances, feverfew can cause side effects like stomachaches, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and changes in menstrual cycles [1].

Pregnant individuals should avoid feverfew as it can trigger early contractions. Additionally, there isn't enough research to confirm its safety during breastfeeding.

If you have allergies to ragweed or other plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae families, such as daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, it's best to avoid feverfew.

Conclusion

Feverfew is a remarkable plant with a rich history and proven benefits, particularly for reducing inflammation and managing migraines.

Its active compound, parthenolide, and other natural components contribute to its effectiveness.

With both traditional use and scientific research supporting its therapeutic properties, feverfew remains a valuable natural remedy for promoting health and well-being.

FAQ

What is Feverfew, and where does it come from?

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a flowering plant from the Asteraceae family, traditionally used as a remedy for fevers and inflammatory conditions. It is known for its potent health benefits, particularly in managing migraines and reducing inflammation.

How does Feverfew help with migraines?

Feverfew contains parthenolide, a compound that blocks inflammatory pathways, reducing the frequency and severity of migraines. Clinical trials have shown that Feverfew significantly reduces migraine symptoms and improves quality of life when combined with other treatments like acupuncture.

Can Feverfew help with inflammation?

Yes, Feverfew is effective in reducing inflammation. Its active compound, parthenolide, inhibits inflammatory cytokines and pathways, benefiting conditions such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Is Feverfew safe to use long-term?

Feverfew is generally safe for short-term use. However, its long-term effects beyond four months have yet to be discovered. Some potential side effects include stomachaches, dizziness, and changes in menstrual cycles. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Feverfew.

Are there any allergies to consider with Feverfew?

If you have allergies to plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae families, such as daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, it's best to avoid Feverfew.