If you have heard of feverfew, you most likely know it as the "headache herb", and with good reason. Clinical research has shown that feverfew can reduce the severity and frequency of recurrent headaches, including migraines. In some cases, headaches have been known to disappear completely. This is not all feverfew does, however. It may be helpful in treating arthritis, asthma, depression, nausea, and worms, improving digestion, reducing fever, promoting menstruation and to help expel the placenta after childbirth.  It has also been used in the past as an insect repellent, and the tincture can be used on insect bites to relieve pain and swelling.

Feverfew flowers look very similar to chamomile except the yellow middle is flat instead of cone-shaped. The leaves look very much like chrysanthemum leaves. The name feverfew is thought to come from a corruption of the word febrifuge, meaning fever-reducing.

Research has shown the main active principles to be sesquiterpene lactones,  which  decreases blood platelet aggregation, which can improve circulation and may be a reason why it is effective against headaches.

In earlier times, people used 2 teaspoonfuls  of feverfew tincture mixed in a pint of water to be applied to all exposed skin before going outside to prevent insect bites. In case a spot was missed and an insect did get a bite in, feverfew tincture was applied directly to it for immediate relief of the itch and swelling. Because feverfew has such a bitter taste, it may also be used to improve digestion either alone or with other bitter herbs (as herbal bitters) about 20 minutes before each meal. The tea has also been used as an anthelmintic to expel worms. It may also be used as an emmenagogue to start a delayed period and was traditionally used after childbirth to ensure the removal of the placenta. Feverfew also seems to have a calming effect and has been used to treat earache and face pain in highly nervous or hysterical people. People involved in the clinical studies to test the effect of feverfew on migraines reported improvement in depression as an unexpected, but pleasant, side effect. Another possible use for feverfew is as an anti-inflammatory agent for rheumatoid arthritis.

Traditionally feverfew was only used externally as a poultice to relieve headache or stomachache, because the bitterness of the herb was thought to be too strong. The herb was sauteed in a little oil and was applied to the abdominal area to relieve colicky pains or to the forehead for  headache relief.  A cold infusion or tea, made by pouring one pint  of boiling water over 1oz. of dried flowers can be given as a general tonic to relieve nervousness or melancholy. One half teacup should be given several times a day. A syrup may also be made be adding sugar or honey to a decoction of the herb. This is useful for coughs, wheezing and difficult breathing. Feverfew may also be taken in capsule form, although recent analysis has shown most products to contain less-than-effective amounts of parthenolide.

There were no reports of toxic reactions to feverfew in the clinical trials. Chewing the fresh leaves can cause mouth ulcers in some people, in which case this form of feverfew should be discontinued. Because feverfew reduces platelet aggregation, it should be used with caution under strict medical supervision in the presence of prescription anti-coagulants. Because it is an emmenagogue, it should be used with caution during pregnancy.

In cases of migraine headaches, feverfew is one natural alternative that has withstood both the test of time and scientific clinical research. It is a worthwhile alternative to try for a health problem  traditional medicine has little to offer other than strong pain relievers, which bring temporary relief, but no long-term solution.

On a final note, migraine headaches can have many triggers, and total relief will not be achieved without first finding what your triggers are and addressing them.