Migraines , headaches, headaches , in general are really bad companions to spend days or nights with.

Often those suffering from these painful forms use powerful analgesics and anti-inflammatories because migraines and headaches can be disabling disorders that limit our daily activities and work.

Fortunately, in nature there are effective remedies with limited contraindications and especially for those suffering from chronic disorders, in which a continuous intake of drugs is required, herbal preparations are recommended to treat but also to prevent migraines and headaches, such as feverfew .

Feverfew to counteract migraines

Counteracting does not only mean curing but also preventing, as it should be for a correct approach to wellness.

The feverfew is a plant that carries out its activity in this dual modality: prophylaxis and treatment of migraines and headaches and more. Let’s get to know it better.

Its botanical name is Tanacetum parthenium of the Astaraceae family : tanacetum of Latin origin is probably an alteration of the term atanacetum , from the Greek athanasia , meaning immortality, while parthenium refers to the Greek parthenos , virgin, perhaps indicative of the virginal white of the corolla of these daisies of feverfew.

It is in fact a perennial plant with umbrella-like inflorescences with larger and more showy flowers similar to chamomile.

The plant is aromatic with a persistent and strong smell . Its leaves and aerial parts are used in herbal medicine.

The feverfew is rich in essential oil, pyrethrin, flavonoids , tannins , sesquiterpenes and melatonin .

Indications of the Partenio

The feverfew carries out activities:

> spasmolytic;
> anti-inflammatory;
> antiallergic;
> vermifuge;
> emmenagogue;
> invigorating.

This plant is therefore indicated to prevent and treat headaches of various kinds , in case of dysfunctions of the menstrual cycle, dyspepsia , and arthritic pains and rheumatic pains .

We can find on the market preparations based on feverfew, associated with willow or ginger and turmeric , which provide a daily dosage between 50 and 120 mg of powder from the leaves and aerial parts, or feverfew in herbal tea cut to make a hot infusion. 

The most appropriate dosage will be indicated by the trusted herbalist on a case-by-case basis.

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Contraindications of feverfew

Allergic forms may occur with dermatitis , or reactive disorders of nausea and vomiting , but in case of contact with the fresh plant.

No particular contraindications have been recorded in the dried preparations and phytocomplexes as supplements, but as a preventive measure it is not recommended for those who take antiplatelet drugs since the action of feverfew could be added to that of anticoagulant and antiplatelet preparations with consequent risk of bleeding.

Curiosities about the Partenio

Among the components of feverfew there is pyrethrin , an element that we find in some insecticidal products used for the care of gardens.

It was thought in the past that having a feverfew plant in the garden protected it from pathogenic attacks and purified the air .

With subsequent studies, more effective plants with a higher pyrethrin content have been discovered such as Tenacetum cinerariifolium, always belonging to the Astaraceae family , also more effective against mosquitoes .