Feverfew or Tanacetum Parthenium, an herbal cure for migraine headaches is a plant that belongs to the daisy family growing in abundance in Europe, Canada and North America. Feverfew is a natural way to control or prevents migraines from happening at all. Using this herb also results in migraines to be less frequent.
Feverfew in dried capsules
Freeze dried capsules of feverfew are usually recommended since taking tea and fresh leaves of feverfew may not be tolerated by the person with migraines due to its bitter taste and sometimes can irritate the mouth. Freeze dried capsules of feverfew are available from health stores.
A dosage of 250 milligrams each day would be enough to prevent and control migraines.
Feverfew plant can also be grown in your backyard. The leaves of plant can be eaten directly but is not advisable or can be chopped and mixed in a salad or in a sandwich, either which way you like. The bitter taste of the leaves can be neutralized with the addition of sugar or honey when preparing a tea out of feverfew leaves.
The dry leaves of feverfew can also be stored in a tin or glass jar for future use after being dried in a well ventilated area.
Feverfew is considered generally as a preventive treatment for migraine and not instantly get rid of migraine once migraine has started.
Feverfew should be taken for weeks or about four months before reliable results begin to happen. A gradual phase out of intake should also be observed once you have decided to stop taking feverfew since if you stop the intake, it might cause your migraine to return together with other symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety and nausea.
Feverfew leaves contain many chemicals and one chemical is called parthenolide which together with other chemicals decrease body contents that may cause migraine headaches.
Side effects of feverfew for migraines
Some side effects of taking feverfew are upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation.
Pregnant and breast feeding women should not take the herb because it can cause early contractions as well as miscarriage.
People who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family should also avoid feverfew. It may cause an allergic reaction.
People who are due for surgery should also not take feverfew for migraines because of its ability to slow blood clotting.