Feverfew Treatment For Migraines

The aromatic perennial feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has been used for centuries to treat headaches and fever. According to the International Headache Society journal "Cephalalgia," while the feverfew extract MIG-99 is generally safe and well -tolerated, the efficacy of this herbal remedy as a migraine preventative is similar to that of a placebo.

Significance

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that nearly 28 million Americans suffer from some form of migraine. Migraines affect three times as many women as men, in part due to fluctuating hormone levels.

The Facts

• Extracts from the yellow-green leaves of Tanacetum parthenium, more commonly known as feverfew, bachelor's button or altamisa, reportedly inhibit the release of serotonin from platelets and prostaglandin from white blood cells; both prostaglandin and serotonin levels have been linked to migraine.

Dosages

• The recommended dosage for migraine prevention, based on a preparation containing 0.2 to 0.4 percent parthenolides, is 10 to 30 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight, up to four times daily. For supplements that have been CO2-extracted, the recommended dosage for migraine prevention is roughly 0.4 mg for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Side Effects

• Possible side effects include flatulence, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and indigestion. People allergic to similar herbs (e.g., ragweed, chamomile) may also be allergic to feverfew. Chewing raw feverfew leaves can cause mouth ulcers, tongue or lip swelling and diminished ability to taste.

Warning

• Pregnant or nursing women should avoid feverfew, which has traditionally been used to induce abortion. Children under 2 should not take feverfew. Seek the advice of your healthcare provider before using feverfew with any other remedy, particularly blood thinners or other clotting-related medications, including aspirin.