Generic Name: feverfew

Brand and Other Names: altamisa, bachelor button, camomille grande, Chrysanthemum parthenium, featherfew, featherfoil, flirtwort midsummer daisy, midsummer daisy, Santa Maria, Tanacetum parthenium

Drug Class: Herbals

What is feverfew, and what is it used for?

Feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium, is a plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae) that grows in gardens and roadsides, in many parts of the world.

Feverfew is a medicinal plant traditionally used to prevent migraine headaches, and in the treatment of fevers, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders, and other conditions. Feverfew may reduce the intensity and frequency of migraine headaches, but there is no scientific evidence to support most of its other uses.

The therapeutic effects of feverfew are believed to be from the chemicals found in the leaves. Feverfew leaves contain sesquiterpene lactones including parthenolide, flavonoids, and volatile oils. Studies show these compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and anticoagulant properties.

Feverfew works by inhibiting the release and synthesis of inflammatory substances in the body including prostaglandins. Feverfew also inhibits the release of histamine and serotonin from platelets and leukocytes, which play a role in inflammation. Feverfew is available over the counter (OTC) as fresh, freeze-dried, or dried leaves, capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. 

In addition to prevention of migraines, suggested uses of feverfew include treatment of:

Warnings

Do not take feverfew if you are hypersensitive to:

Chrysanthemums, daisies or marigolds

Plants from the aster family (Asteraceae) or daisy family (Compositae)

Do not use feverfew if you have ragweed allergies.

Do not use feverfew if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Feverfew may slow down the blood clotting process, so avoid taking it if you are on blood thinning medications or if you have any bleeding disorder. Stop taking feverfew at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.

Dried feverfew leaf or feverfew extract may be safe to take orally, chewing fresh leaves may cause swelling and ulcerations in the mouth and loss of taste.

What are the side effects of feverfew?

Common side effects of feverfew include:

Chronic use can cause post-feverfew syndrome with symptoms that include

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are the dosages of feverfew?

There is insufficient information on what might be appropriate dosages of feverfew, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Suggested dosage:

Migraine, Prophylaxis

Extract

50-100 mg orally daily

Fresh leaf

2.5 leaves orally daily

Freeze-dried leaf

50-150 mg orally once or twice daily

Overdose

What drugs interact with feverfew?

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information. Check with your doctor or health care provider if you have any questions about the medication.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

What else should I know about feverfew?

Health News

Migraine Treatments:
What are your other options?

Summary

Feverfew is a medicinal plant traditionally used to prevent migraine headaches, and in the treatment of fevers, rheumatoid arthritis, skin disorders, and other conditions. Common side effects of feverfew include allergic reaction, mouth ulcers, loss of taste, swelling of lips/tongue/mouth, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, heartburn, gas (flatulence) and bloating, diarrhea, and menstrual changes. Do not use feverfew if pregnant or breastfeeding, or have ragweed allergies.

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