Feverfew is a common home remedy for migraine headaches. It is a member of the sunflower family and has been used for centuries in European folk medicine to relieve headaches, arthritis and fevers. The name feverfew comes from comes from a Latin word meaning fever reducer.
This herb is native to southeastern Europe, but now grown throughout Europe, North America and Australia. It blooms from July to October. Feverfew is a short perennial that has yellow green leaves. It is similar in looks to a daisy. It also gives off a strong, bitter odor.
Taking Feverfew
Feverfew can be taken in capsule form, or the leaves of the plant can be ingested. Feverfew products typically contain dried feverfew leaves; however, all parts of the plant that grow above ground are able to be used. Some researchers believe that parthenolide, a substance found within feverfew was the part of the herb that was most helpful to migraine headache sufferers. Parthenolide is said to relieve spasms in smooth muscle tissue and may act as an anti-inflammatory. It is also thought that other parts of feverfew may be helpful to migraine headache sufferers
During the 1980s in Great Britain feverfew was a popular treatment to alternatively treat migraine headaches. At the time, it was common for sufferers to use fresh feverfew leaves on a daily basis. More than half of these sufferers said that they felt much better after taking feverfew on a regular basis. Feverfew capsules are said to work the same as fresh feverfew leaves.
While there are several studies that have been run on the theory of feverfew as a migraine headache treatment, not all have had the same outcome. However, several have reached the conclusion that feverfew is able to shorten the length of migraine headaches and lessen their intensity.
The use of herbs like feverfew has been around for a very long time; however, it is important that herbs be taken under a doctor’s care. Feverfew can cause some limited side effects and may interact with certain medications. Feverfew should not be taken in some circumstances, such as with blood thinners. It is important to talk to a doctor prior to surgery as feverfew can interact with anesthesia and cause loss of blood.
Tags: Feverfew, Ginger, Magnesium Citrate, natural migraine treatment, Niacin, Riboflavin, Valerian, Vitamin B2
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