Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 In a six-month double-blind study at London Migraine Clinic, patients who had been previously helped by eating feverfew were given a replacement placebo instead. Another group of migraine patients were given feverfew. The placebo group suffered a significant increase in the frequency and severity of headache, nausea, and vomiting. In contrast, the patients taking feverfew reported a noticeable decline of those symptoms. Two patients in the placebo group had to withdraw from the study because of their recurring migraine headaches. |
Jonathan V. Wright, M.D. and Alan R. Gaby, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 The number of migraine attacks was significantly reduced by 24% during the feverfew period, compared with the placebo period.14
Other Factors
Other factors that may trigger or aggravate migraines include cigarette smoking, use of oral contraceptives, emotional stress, and spinal misalignments. In addition, excessive use of ergot-amine (a drug used to treat acute migraines) may actually increase the recurrence rate of migraines.
Conclusion
Natural medicine offers many safe and effective alternatives for the treatment of this common and often disabling condition. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
See book keywords and concepts |
 This inhibition of prostaglandins results in reduction in inflammation, decreased secretion of histamines, decreased activation of inflammatory cells, and a reduction of fever. feverfew acts more like cortisone than aspirin or NSAIDs.19 For feverfew to be effective, the parthenolide content must be standardized. I have used a feverfew product with a content of 600 mg per capsule to successfully treat a number of inflammatory and painful conditions in dogs and cats. When I get a headache, I ingest two capsules, and within fifteen minutes, my headache is gone. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
See book keywords and concepts |
 In one study, 57 patients were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using capsules containing powdered feverfew leaves. They took the daily equivalent of 0.2 mg parthenolide for 60 days, then randomization to placebo and feverfew for 30 days, and then cross-over to the other
Parthenolide
Fig. 16.7 arm for another 30 days. This study demonstrated significantly reduced pain intensity and symptoms, such as vomiting and light sensitivity (Palevitch et al 1997). |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 This nonprescription product contains both feverfew and ginger. A majority of patients who used it got relief, but the study was not placebo-controlled, and further research is needed to confirm these results.
BUTTERBUR
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) is another old-fashioned herb that has just resurfaced. In Europe, it is sometimes referred to as "plague plant," despite a lack of any evidence that it was effective against the plague. There is evidence that butterbur can be useful in preventing migraine headaches, but only a few randomized, double-blind studies have been reported. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
See book keywords and concepts |
 In folk medicine, feverfew is also used for dysmenorrhea, uterine inertia, threatened miscarriage (hence the German name "Mutterkraut"), fever (hence the English name "feverfew"), toothaches, and as a tonic and stomachic.
Side effects: In rare cases, inflammations of the oral mucosa, digestive discomforts, and abdominal pain.
Making the tea: Pour boiling water over about two teaspoonfuls. Steep for 10 min, stirring occasionally, and then pass through a tea strainer. For prophylaxis of migraine, it is recommended to drink 2-3 cups before meals, regularly for a few months [10, 14]. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
See book keywords and concepts |
| Since serotonin is implicated in the aetiology of migraine and PMN secretion is increased in rheumatoid arthritis, these findings substantiate the use of feverfew in these conditions.
Toxicity
Feverfew may have side effects such as dermatitis and soreness or ulceration of the mouth. Also, contact dermatitis has been described, especially by workers handling material from this species, caused by the exposure to the allergenic sesquiterpene lactones.
Ergotamine
Ergotamine is an alkaloid extracted from ergot (Claviceps purpurea), a parasitic fungus that grows on cereals, usually rye. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
See book keywords and concepts |
| Parthenolide had been considered an active component [10], though studies of feverfew extracts in the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) bioassay indicate that parthenolide is not the sole pharmacologically active constituent [12]. Parthenolide is a serotonin antagonist (serotonin is significant for the pathogenesis of the migraine). A conclusive opinion regarding the suitability of feverfew for the prophylaxis of migraine appears to not yet be possible [13]. The essential oil has shown marked antimicrobial effects [1]. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
See book keywords and concepts |
| For feverfew to be effective, the parthenolide content must be standardized. I have used a feverfew product with a content of 600 mg per capsule to successfully treat a number of inflammatory and painful conditions in dogs and cats. When I get a headache, I ingest two capsules, and within fifteen minutes, my headache is gone. Due to its tonic effects on vascular smooth muscles, I have also used feverfew in cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) with success.
Flax Seeds
I have been using flax seeds and flax seed oil for a dozen years with remarkable results. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Another group of migraine patients were given feverfew. The placebo group suffered a significant increase in the frequency and severity of headache, nausea, and vomiting. In contrast, the patients taking feverfew reported a noticeable decline of those symptoms. Two patients in the placebo group had to withdraw from the study because of their recurring migraine headaches.
In another double blind study at the University of Nottingham, seventy-two patients were randomly given either a placebo or feverfew daily. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
 The beneficial effects of the herbs will be absorbed through the skin.
¦ feverfew inhibits the release of inflammatory prostaglandins implicated in migraine. Taken regularly, this herb can ward off migraines. feverfew is a documented preventive, but its effects are cumulative. Don't expect immediate relief. Take 150 milligrams of freeze-dried feverfew-leaf extract or 200 to 400 milligrams of the herb two to three times daily. Allow sufficient time for the effects to build.
Note: Do not use this herb if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family. |
Joe Graedon, M.S. and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
| Other Nondrug Approaches
As limited as it is, the research literature on herbal products like butterbur and feverfew is almost extensive in comparison to a few other approaches that pop up in medical journals here and there. A Brazilian study suggests that melatonin (3 milligrams daily) is effective in preventing migraines.351 Another study, this one carried out in Switzerland, found that coenzyme Q10, given at a dose of 100 milligrams three times a day, was superior to placebo.352 Both of these treatments are readily available without a prescription and reasonably safe. |
| Another study compared a product that combined 400 milligrams of riboflavin with 300 milligrams of magnesium and 100 milligrams of feverfew extract to a "placebo" of 25 milligrams of riboflavin.334 The researchers found no difference between the placebo and the combination product. Nevertheless, the scientists weren't disappointed because both groups had fewer migraines and less overall discomfort than they had had before starting the study. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
See book keywords and concepts |
| In folk medicine, feverfew is also used for dysmenorrhea, uterine inertia, threatened miscarriage (hence the German name "Mutterkraut"), fever (hence the English name "feverfew"), toothaches, and as a tonic and stomachic.
Side effects: In rare cases, inflammations of the oral mucosa, digestive discomforts, and abdominal pain.
Making the tea: Pour boiling water over about two teaspoonfuls. Steep for 10 min, stirring occasionally, and then pass through a tea strainer. For prophylaxis of migraine, it is recommended to drink 2-3 cups before meals, regularly for a few months [10, 14]. |
Mike Adams
See book keywords and concepts |
 Healing herbs for muscle pain, muscle cramps, muscle strains, muscle tension
***** hops
***** valerian root ***** lemon grass ***** anise ***** skullcap ***** mint ***** chamomile ***** feverfew ***** rosemary ***** passion fruit ***** ep azote
Nervous System Disorders (see also ADHD)
This is a big category, and when considering nervous system disorders, I include things like Alzheimer's disease, dementia, migraine headaches, seizures and even behavioral disorders such as so-called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. |
Bryan Hanson, PhD
See book keywords and concepts |
 Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is an herb widely used for migraine relief. Its mode of action is not well understood, but parthenolide appears to play a role.27 The Chinese herbal drug qing hao (sweet wormwood, Artemisia annua) is useful in treating malaria, and contains the compound qinghaosu which has an unusual oxygen-oxygen bond. Both compounds are shown in Figure 4.35.
FIGURE 4.34. Iridane monoterpenes. h ?
O
Parthenolide
Qinghaosu
FIGURE 4.35. Sesquiterpenes.
Diterpenes
Unless you began reading right here, you should realize by now that diterpenes have a 20-carbon framework. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy. precautions and adverse reactions
Allergic reactions to Chamomile include emesis in high doses, allergic conjunctivitis, contact dermatitis, and eczema (one case of anaphylactic reaction has been reported).
Allergic Conjunctivitis: Chamomile tea eye washing to treat ocular'reactions has induced allergic conjunctivitis with lid angioedema (Subiza et al, 1990). |
Ben-Erik van Wyk
See book keywords and concepts |
 Also similar is feverfew (C. parthenium), well known as a migraine prophylactic, and alecost (C. balsamita), once a flavourant of beer (hence "alecost"). Another relative is tansy (Chrysanthemum vulgare, formerly Tanacetum vulgare), also known as tanaise (French), Rainfarn (German) and tanaceto (Italian and Spanish). The bitter leaves are still used to some extent to flavour pastries, pies and marinades (especially in Northern Europe and Britain) and sometimes in natural medicine.
Origin & history Indigenous to the Mediterranean region (once used as a garden ornamental). |
Michael Castleman
See book keywords and concepts |
 A coal miner confided that he'd been cursed with the horrible headaches until he began chewing two feverfew leaves a day. The woman tried the herb and noticed immediate improvement—fewer and less severe migraines. Intrigued, her husband urged a London migraine specialist to test feverfew. Now several studies have shown it to be effective. feverfew also calms the digestive tract and may help reduce blood pressure.
How-to: For migraine control, chew two fresh (or frozen) leaves a day or take a pill or capsule containing 85 milligrams of leaf material. |
Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron
See book keywords and concepts |
 In addition, it is an exceedingly basic formula that lacks significant amounts of state-of-the-art ingredients.
© Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($14.99for 4 ounces) is recommended for its in-part avobenzone sunscreen, though I wouldn't call that or the other active ingredients in this moisturizer "ultra-calming." Many people tolerate the sunscreen agents in this product well, but a product positioned as "calming" would be better with just titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide for sun protection. |
Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 This member of the daisy family is also called bachelor's buttons. feverfew has undergone much testing and research as a migraine remedy as pharmaceutical companies try to find the active ingredient so they can isolate it and synthesize it. However, the lowly feverfew is not revealing its healing secrets, and the freeze-dried herb in capsules, or a tincture of the fresh leaves, is still the best way to take the plant. feverfew has also been used successfully to treat arthritis. |
Mike Adams
See book keywords and concepts |
| Healing foods for migraines
***** fish ***** celery ***** rye ***** brussels sprouts
Healing herbs for migraines
***** guarana ***** skullcap ***** California poppy ***** cumin ***** feverfew ***** ginger ***** anise ***** lemon balm ***** basil ***** mint
Products to consider for migraines:
*" Foundation Formula (www.ForeverWell.com) Achieves 80% success rate in reducing or eliminating migraines
Migra-Eeze Standardized Butterbur-Ginger-Riboflavin Formula (www.LEF.org) Headache Relief (www.NewChapter. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
See book keywords and concepts |
 An article in the Harvard Medical School Health Letter agrees: "Eating feverfew leaves has become a popular method for preventing migraine attacks in England." feverfew promotes menses and so is useful in treating amenorrhea.
• This herb is helpful for treatment of colitis, arthritis, fever, and muscle tension and pain.
Contraindications—
• Pregnant women should not use feverfew because of its ability to stimulate uterine contractions.
• Nursing mothers should avoid this herb so as not to pass it to their infant. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Guilliermondii "Inhibition of Platelet Behaviour Folia by Feverfew: A Mechanism of Action Involving Sulphydryl Groups," Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch, 115(4), 1988, p. 447-479.
Migraine
Results this double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that the consumption of fresh feverfew leaves daily by patients prevented migraines relative to controls.
—E.S. Johnson, et al., "Efficacy of feverfew as Prophylactic Treatment of Migraine," British
Medical Journal, 291(6495), August 31, 1985, p. 569-573. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
See article keywords and concepts |
 It's also not a deficiency of feverfew. Go to the core.
Mike: Right.
Dr. Duncan: Go to the root. Go deep and you'll get the answer.
Mike: And I want to cover a touchy subject that you already mentioned. Some people aren't comfortable even talking about bowel movements, but I say, "Look, let's talk about it." And I've found a great misconception over what people think is normal. People will think once a day is perfectly healthy. Some people, as I'm sure you're well aware, go only twice a week.
Dr. Duncan: Right.
Mike: And they don't think there's anything wrong with that. |
Earl L. Mindell, RPh, PhD with Virginia Hopkins, MA
See book keywords and concepts |
| However, the lowly feverfew is not revealing its healing secrets, and the freeze-dried herb in capsules, or a tincture of the fresh leaves, is still the best way to take the plant. feverfew has also been used successfully to treat arthritis.
Treating Chronic Pain
As scientists research pain, they're finding that a wide variety of techniques that induce relaxation and increase body awareness can be used very effectively to beat the demon of chronic pain. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |
 Super Prescription #4 feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Take a product standardized to contain 250 to 500 meg of parthenolides daily. Several studies have shown it to be effective in reducing the severity, the duration, and the frequency of migraines.
Super Prescription #5 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
Take 50 to 100 mg three times daily. Several studies have shown 5-HTP to be effective in preventing migraine and tension headaches. |
Mike Adams
See book keywords and concepts |
| Top 15 Healing herbs for Arthritis
***** borage ***** garlic ***** black cohosh ***** nettle ***** cayenne pepper ***** dandelion ***** cinnamon ***** feverfew ***** chaparral ***** yucca ***** alfalfa ***** aloe vera ***** chamomile ***** juniper berries ***** horseradish ***** milkweed
According to this theory, the bronchial tubes of people with asthma become progressively inflamed from childhood onward. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
See book keywords and concepts |
| Contraindications—
Because garlic is an anticlotting herb, people concerned about hemorrhagic stroke or other blood-clotting disorders should avoid it.
- feverfew -
Tanacetum parthenium
Forms—It is preferable to use fresh leaves, but tincture, capsules, and tablets made from the leaves, bark, and dried flowers are adequate.
Nutritional value—Camphor, parthenolide, pyrethrins, ter-pene. feverfew is best known for its ability to relieve migraine headache pain.
Medicinal uses—
• Studies published in the British Medical Journal claim that taking feverfew regularly prevents migraine attacks. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND
See book keywords and concepts |
| Efficacy of feverfew as prophylactic treatment of migraine. Br Med J 1985;
291: 569-573
63. Murphy JJ, Heptinstall S, Mitchell JRA. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of feverfew in migraine prevention. Lancet 1988; ii: 189-192
64. Barsby RWJ, Salan U, Knight BW, Hoult JRS. feverfew and vascular smooth muscle: extracts from fresh and dried plants show opposing pharmacological profiles, dependent upon sesquiterpene lactone content. Planta Medica 1993; 59: 20-25
65. Heptinstall S, Awang DV, Dawson BA et al. |
Email this page to a friend
