What Are the Dangers of Feverfew?

Feverfew is an alternative herbal medicine that has long been used to treat a variety of conditions, including fever, headaches and other pains, infertility and other reproductive problems, arthritis, and ear, nose and throat concerns, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Although feverfew may be beneficial for some people, there are possible adverse effects of using this herbal remedy.

Allergy

People allergic to chrysanthemums and other plants may also be allergic to feverfew.

People who are allergic to plants of the Compositae (daisy) family (ragweed, chrysanthemums and marigolds) may be predisposed to allergic reactions to feverfew (cross-sensitivity), according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and the NCCAM. Sloan-Kettering also reports that skin irritation (dermatitis) may develop from contact with feverfew.

Adverse Effects

Common adverse effects of taking feverfew include canker sores, inflammation of the lips and tongue, and loss of the sense of taste. Less common but possible adverse effects of feverfew include nausea, bloating and other digestive problems, according to the NCCAM.

Withdrawal

When a person takes feverfew for a prolonged period of time and then stops using it, the NCCAM reports that she may have symptoms such as headache, feeling nervous, trouble sleeping, stiffness in muscles and pain in the joints.

Risks During Pregnancy

There is an increased risk for miscarriage or premature delivery in pregnant women taking feverfew, according to the NCCAM. Children under the age of 2 should not take feverfew, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Bleeding

Feverfew can increase the risk for bleeding, and the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that individuals with bleeding disorders and those taking blood thinners should not take feverfew.

Concerns about Effectiveness

Some studies show that feverfew may help prevent migraines, but the NCCAM reports that more research is needed to confirm this finding. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that feverfew is not more effective than placebo in relieving arthritis symptoms.