Feverfew medicinal herb can alleviate pains associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an effective medicinal herb that is native to Eastern Europe.  However, it is now popularly grown in North and South America and other parts of Europe.  The common names are Wild chamomile, Bride's buttons, Tanacetum parthenium, Feather few, Bachelor's button and Featherfoil.  It is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family and the entire plant may be used as herbal medicine.

The common names are Wild chamomile, Tanacetum parthenium, Flirtwort, Bride's button, featherfew, Bachelor's button and featherfoil.

The medicinal properties are analgesic, antipyretic, stomachic, sedative, stimulant, antiphlogistic, antimicrobial, bitter, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, digestive, purgative and parasiticide.  The constituents are tannins, mucilage, alpha pinene, parthenolides and volatile oil.

For hundred of years, many traditional healers utilized feverfew to its fullest. The light green leaves of this plant have been utilized as herbal remedy for many different types of ailments and conditions. Some of these ailments include stomach upset, headaches, as well as menstrual conditions.

The plant bears flowers that are bright yellow and sometimes white. When this medicinal plant is fully blossom it sends out a powerful fragrance and this fragrance cause the traditional people to think that this scent could actually cleanse the atmosphere and ward off sicknesses.

The powerful odor that emanates from it was able to ward off bees and various insects infestation so it was popularly grown in many herb gardens for this reason. 

Nonetheless, somewhere along the way its popularity decreased. However, the utilization in the form of treatment for diseases started to rebound in the nineteen seventies. During this time, researchers wanted an herbal remedy for migraine headaches and so the medical professionals as well as the scientists began using it for this ailment, which brought positive result. Due to this re-energized effort this medicinal plant got back its popularity and researchers once again begin to study this blessed herb to treat these diseases, especially migraine headache.

Health benefits of feverfew

A substance by the name of Parthenolides is found in this plant. All the therapeutic powers of the plant were once attributed to this substance. However, new studies have shown that this herb contains other substances as well that contribute to its many health benefits. Now, the herb is an effective therapeutic supplement against a variety of ailments.

It is not yet discovered how this medicinal herb alleviate migraines, but some believe that the parthenolides that is present in it may be the answer. Parthenolides acts as a restrainer to inflammatory elements found in the body. They also prevent blood thrombocytes or platelets from forming into irregular masses or as some referred to it as clumping together. It is believed that parthenolides will also aid in lessening the intensity of pains and will alleviate the symptoms that are related to headaches which are nausea and vomiting.

Feverfew is good to treat cramps that are associated with menstruation. The hormone prostaglandin causes much pain as well as discomfort and inflammation during the monthly period. Therefore, if the hormone is too much this medicinal herb will limit it thereby alleviating the cramps. It may be best to consume it a day before the commencing of the menstruation.

It is also a good remedy for gout, cancer, allergies, fatigue, inflammation, infertility, stomach aches, menopause, indigestion and frostbite.

Purchasing guidelines 

Although you can boil and infuse your own tea or eat a few of the leaves or stems, you can purchase it in various herbal supplements which include fresh herbs, dried herbs, herbal teas, tablets, tincture as well as capsules.  Ensure that you choose a reputable brand and always make sure that the products you are purchasing contain the standardized 0.4% minimum Parthenolides and in addition, that the label includes Tanacetum parthenium.

Precaution

Feverfew should not be taken by pregnant women.

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