Feverfew Dangers and Benefits

Feverfew is a medicinal plant that has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. It falls in the alternative medicine category of treatment methods. It grows throughout both North and South America, as well as many parts of Europe. Feverfew is also grown for ornamentation, and has daisy-like flowers and citrus-scented leaves.

Headaches/Migraines

The most common use for feverfew, both historically and in modern times, is for the prevention and treatment of headaches and migraines. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one study conducted in Great Britain showed that migraine sufferers reported feeling better after taking feverfew. They cite two more studies that suggest that feverfew may be effective in decreasing the number of migraines a chronic sufferer is likely to experience. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) notes that when it comes to feverfew and migraines, results have been mixed and more evidence is needed from well-designed studies. Researchers funded by NCCAM are working on standardizing feverfew (preparing it in a consistent manner) so that it may be more accurately tested.

Arthritis

While feverfew has been used throughout the ages to help treat or prevent a number of diseases and disorders including infertility, stomach aches, fever and asthma, the only other popular modern day use is for the treatment of arthritis. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that while some anti-inflammatory properties have been discovered in feverfew, there have not been any scientific studies to show its effectiveness in arthritis treatment. To the contrary, the center states that a human study revealed that feverfew wasn't any more effective than a placebo.

Dangers/Side Effects

According to the NCCAM, no serious side effects have been reported from taking feverfew, but some mild side effects may occur. They include canker sores, loss of taste, swelling of the tongue and lips, bloating, nausea and digestive problems. They go on to say that taking feverfew for a long period and then stopping may result in such symptoms as stiff and painful muscles and joints, headaches, nervousness and insomnia. Pregnant women are discouraged from taking feverfew as it may increase the likelihood of miscarriage or premature delivery. The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions against women who are nursing from taking the herb, as well as children under two years of age. They also state that feverfew may result in those with thin blood to experience bleeding disorders.