Pyrethrum parthenium,Featherfew,Featherfoil,Flirtwort,Bachelors' Buttons, Flirtwort,Sweet feverfew, Chrysanthemum suaveolens, altamisa, febrifuge plant, midsummer daisy, nosebleed, Santa Maria, wild chamomile, wild quinine, chamomile grande, chrysanthemematricaire , European feverfew, feather-fully, feddygen fenyw, flirtroot, grande chamomile, mutterkraut, and vetter-voo.
There are several varieties of feverfew, among them a double flowered blossom and a variegated leaf cultivar.
The name Feverfew is derived from the Latin "febrifugia" , meaning a substance which drives out fevers.
Pyrethrum is derived from the Greek, "pur", for fire.
Modern homeopathic application is for migraine*.
*Feverfew leaves contains a chemical called parthenolide. Parthenolide or other chemicals decrease factors in the body that might cause migraine headaches.
SOURCE: Web MD: Feverfew
Volatile oils, stearoptene
Aperient,carminative,
bitter, used for hysteria, nervousness and to regulate
menstruation.
anemia
cancer
common cold
earache
liver disease
prevention of miscarriage
muscular tension
bone disorders
swollen feet
diarrhea
Moth repellant.
Small quantities cut the grease in
foods.
A warmed external application is used or gas or colic.,
depression,and with sugar or honey for coughs, wheezng and
difficulty with breathing.
Relieving insect stings, migraine.
For a migraine, take one dried blossom and steep it in a cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Take up to three cups per day.
"Feverfew should not be used by people allergic to other members of the daisy family, such as aster, chamomile, chrysanthemum, ragweed, sunflower, tansy, and yarrow. Due to its potential anticlotting actions, it is not recommended for use in patients undergoing surgery. People with blood-clotting disorders should consult their health care provider prior to using products containing feverfew.
Pregnancy/nursing
Avoid use because of documented adverse effects. Pregnant women should not use the plant because the leaves stimulate menstruation and may induce abortion. It is not recommended for breast-feeding mothers or for use in children younger than 2 years of age.
Side Effects
Patients withdrawn from feverfew may experience ill effects often known as “postfeverfew” syndrome. Handling fresh feverfew leaves may cause allergic skin reactions.
Swelling of the lips, tongue, and lining of the mouth, in addition to mouth ulceration, have been reported with feverfew use. Effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, and gas, may also occur.
SOURCE: Drugs.com
Though my herb books do not note potential difficulties, all herb remedies should be explored as to dosage, used in moderation because many of them can be used homeopathically (in minute, but effective doses).
In A Modern Herbal another herb is employed as an embalming agent, but its' ingredient properties are identical with a property of Feverfew,stearopten
Stearic acid is used in candles and soaps as a hardener, so, like nitrate -cured meats, Feverfew should be taken in moderation.
Note Well: I have used it successfully for migraine, using one dried flower head per cup of hot water, but when I included a 3/4 inch new spring leaf in a recipe for votive herb pancakes, I felt it on my tongue as numbness, and also in my stomach and while it was exiting, too, so it is not a medicine to play around with.
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