Feverfew – a forgotten medicinal plant

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a bit reminiscent of chamomile when you look at the flowers. The plant blooms in many gardens from June to August, but can also be found in the wild. It has been somewhat forgotten as a medicinal plant, although it has been used for centuries against headaches, migraines and to reduce fevers and colds.

Recognize Parthenium

At first glance the plant can easily be confused with chamomile. But if you take a closer look at the foliage, you can see that chamomile leaves are much finer. Feverfew has broader leaves that grow alternately in a pinnate fashion.

Advertising

Use of feverfew

In folk medicine, leaves and flowers are traditionally collected and dried for medicinal purposes. What makes feverfew so interesting are the parthenolides and flavonoids it contains. Extracts or powders are used for medicinal purposes because the dosage in tea form is often too low. There are now some studies that have looked at its effectiveness for migraines. However, you should consume feverfew regularly and not just during an acute migraine attack. Feverfew can also be used for normal headaches, fevers or colds. The name Partenio originally derives from its use in gynecology. Since ancient times the herb has been used to treat women’s ailments and to facilitate childbirth. Special caution is needed during pregnancy. You should not consume feverfew here. Today feverfew is used in gynecology for menstrual problems or menopause symptoms.

Our unique herbal magazine

For many years we have wanted to publish our own magazine dedicated to wild herbs. This usually requires an entire editorial team with many employees. The two of us have been able to do this for a year now and we are really happy that it has been so well received by you. The magazine is a very special project for us and we have chosen a special paper, invited great experts for guest articles and told you about the most beautiful wild herbs with recipes and lots of advice. We would like to tell you about it in the summer edition of our Kräuterkeller magazine (available here) give tips on how to use wild herbs in summer. Of course, you will also discover which recipes can sweeten your summer and how, for example, to make herbal hydrolates. The magazine is available in paper and digital versions. You can buy it, like our other books and the seasonal calendar, in our herbalist’s shop www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de

Study situation for migraine

Against et. al. evaluated six studies in 2015 that looked at the effects of feverfew and migraines. It was found that feverfew can be used to prevent migraines and that affected patients suffered about one or two fewer migraine attacks per month when they regularly took feverfew tea. However, in these studies it was not possible to influence the duration and intensity of the attack. Two studies also showed no effect. However, this could also be due to the dosage being too low. Wider B, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Feverfew to prevent migraine. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002286.

Not all plants work the same for everyone. Often you have to try which medicinal plant can help and sometimes even try different preparations or dosages. When using it for therapeutic purposes, you should be patient and ask for therapeutic advice.

Children and wild herbs

To get started and recognize wild herbs as early as possible, we have developed a discovery book for children: with «Ben and Mara discover the world of wild herbs» we give all parents and grandparents a children’s book with which they can experiment with collecting together. The book is not a “classic” book, but rather divided into three chapters:
– an illustrated story of Ben and Mara with their grandparents
– a child-friendly encyclopedia of wild herbs
– Tips and recipes to imitate

The book is already used in nursery and elementary schools. We are always pleased with the amount of positive feedback we receive from educators. You can find the book in our online shop Herbal Witches at www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de and on Amazon.

Effective against insects and bites

When used externally, a tincture or oil extract of feverfew can keep insects away. If you have an insect bite, you can also rub a crushed leaf on the bite, but only if you are not allergic to daisies.

On the other hand, feverfew is also a plant for insects. Its flowers are a real magnet for insects and represent an important source of food for bees, bumblebees, hoverflies and the like. Our sticks in the garden are always buzzing and buzzing.

Entry into the world of wild herbs

Approaching the world of wild herbs at first glance can be confusing due to the wide range of products offered and the resulting risk of confusion. We want to remedy this: “With wild herbs and medicinal plants all year round” we offer you a seasonal overview of the most important local wild herbs and medicinal plants. There are not only large format images of the plants, but also tips for use in the medicine cabinet and kitchen. Furthermore there is our «Seasonal Wild Herb Calendar» with which you can keep track of the wild herbs that can currently be harvested month after month – for years, as we have deliberately avoided the use of a calendar so that you can reuse it year after year. You can purchase our books, calendars and postcards in our online herb shop at www.die-moderne-Kräuterhexe.de
Many thanks for your support!

Herbal videos on YouTube

Do you already know our Cantina delle Erbe YouTube channel? If not, stop here and watch our videos. Below you will find our video on collecting and using nettle seeds and leaves. The videos are obviously free. If you like them, we would be happy to receive a YouTube subscription, a thumbs up and a comment.

Our free channels will help you collect

Our approach is to give you little tips every day that are easy to put into practice on how to best use wild plants and local medicinal herbs. The ancient knowledge of medicinal plants should not be forgotten. We are not simply anonymous and write articles, but we want to pass on our knowledge to you and are always available to answer any questions. With our herbal knowledge, we are represented on various channels to support you. So if you’re on one of the following networks, we’d love it if you subscribed to our channel there! This will help you support our daily work and allow you to reach us more quickly if you have a question. By subscribing to us, you support us without having to pay anything. It’s best to sign up with us right here:

Follow us also on Instagram