Feverfew

Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium other name include bachelor's button, featherfew, featherfoil, devil daisy, flirtwort, maid's weed, midsummer daisy, Missouri snakeroot, nosebleed, prairie-dock, vetter-voo and wild chamomile. Traditionally, this herb was used mainly for arthritis, stomach aches, fevers, coughs, inflammations, headaches tension and migraine, to expel worms, and help with female reproductive ailments. It was also used to repel insects, it has a strong bitter smell, bees will not come near this plant, and it is best to make sure it is planted away from beneficial plants for these pollinators. Feverfew tincture applied topically relieves the pain and swelling from insect bites. A decoction of feverfew with honey soothes coughs from colds. Feverfew tincture as a simple or blended with white willow bark is used for fevers and headaches

In Medieval Europe, feverfew was an essential part of cottage gardens. Folklore says that planting feverfew flowers by the house, especially near the door, would help protect those inside from the Black Plague. Interestingly enough this may have actually worked. While the plant’s magical qualities are up for debate it is possible that the rats that carried plague did not like the smell or taste of feverfew and avoided eating on it so, planting it by the front door may not have been a bad idea for those wishing to ward off the plague.

Feverfew blends well with Blue Vervain, Butterbur, Corydalis, Ginger, Jamaican Dogwood, Meadowsweet, White Willow and Wood Betony. It is warm and drying. Tincture dosage 5-10 drops fresh plant tincture every 30 minutes at onset of migraine, tension headache or fever. Cautions: Pregnancy (uterine stimulant), Lactation, Hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family, sensitivity to plants containing sesquiterpenes. May cause contact dermatitis. Fresh leaves can cause mild inflammation/ulcers of the mouth, tongue or lips. Discontinue 7-10 days before surgery. Young children (similar to aspirin). Avoid feverfew if you are allergic to ragweed, daisies, chamomile, chrysanthemums, or yarrow. Drug Interactions:  Taking feverfew along with anticoagulant, antiplatelet and thrombolytic medications might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. A bit about dropper fulls: A “dropper full” is however much the tube fills up with one squeeze - even if the entire tube does not appear full - That is 1 dropper full, and now you know!