The Truth About Feverfew as a Migraine Treatment
Studies into the Feverfew Herb for Headache Migraine Symptoms
Oct 21, 2009
The feverfew herb often attracts generalizations regarding its effectiveness on migraine relief. But much research has been conducted into this plant, which has helped establish the facts about feverfew.
A Natural Migraine Cure
A relative of the sunflower, the feverfew herb (Tanacetum parthenium) is common in northern Europe, America and parts of Australia, and can be seen growing in clusters. It is easy to cultivate, but is best contained as it grows voraciously. The feverfew’s daisy-like flowers can be seen between July and October, but it is the leaves that are most often used, infused in tea, freeze dried or eaten raw with a salad. It may also be taken as supplement.
Feverfew became popular in the 1980s for providing migraine relief, although it has been used for centuries as a treatment for arthritis, skin irritations, asthma and fever. It is only in the past 20 years or so that clinical trials have been conducted into its effectiveness.
How Feverfew Counteracts Migraine Causes
The active ingredient has been shown to be parthenolide. (Feverfew, University of Maryland Medical Centre, 2009). This compound works in numerous ways, namely:
- Smoothing out muscle cramps and spasms which contribute to migraine
- Prevention of blood vessel constriction in the brain
- Inhibitor of inflammatory compounds such as the production of prostaglandins, that contribute to migraine.
Clinical Trials of Feverfew
There have been numerous studies into how feverfew works, including experimental studies, notably including the following:
A British trial conducted on 270 migraine sufferers were monitored after taking 2 to 3 fresh feverfew leaves per day and 70% reported that they felt better. (De Weerldt C J, Bootsma H P R, Hendricks H. Herbal Medicines in Migraine Prevention. A randomized double-blind placebo controlled crossover trial of feverfew preparation, Phytomedicine, 1996)
A further clinical trial on migraine sufferers found that if the feverfew plant were taken with White Willow (Salix Alba), which contains an aspirin-like component, the subjects reported a reduction in migraine by more than half. (Shrivastava R, Pechadre, J C, John G W. Tanacetum Parthenuim and Salix Alba Combination in Migraine Prophylaxis, open label study, Clinical Drug Investigation, 2006)
Finally, a month trial where the feverfew plant was taken with vitamin B2 again significantly reduced migraines in subject by half. (Maizels M, Blumenfeld A, Burchette R A. A combination of Riboflavin, Magnesium and Feverfew for Migraine Prophylaxis, randomised trial, Headache, 2004)
Natural Migraine Treatments
It can be seen from these controlled clinical trials that the feverfew plant does contain compounds that work in the body to reduce migraine symptoms and might be worth a try. With this in mind, it is a good idea to check the amount of the active ingredient, parthenolide, on the bottle, which should be around 0.2 to 0.4% prior to purchasing the feverfew supplements.
- For adults, 100 to 300mg per day 3 – 4 times per day
- For an older child, around one third of the adult dose
Feverfew and Migraine
Feverfew would appear to be an effective treatment for migraine symptoms and causes, and could be used as a natural alternative to Aspirin in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory diet. However, as the feverfew herb contains active ingredients, a consultation with the GP is always recommended before making a change. Feverfew must not be taken by young children, pregnant, breastfeeding women nor whilst taking other prescription drugs, particularly those that have a blood thinning or anti-coagulating effect.
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