Feverfew Facts: Migraine Relief and More

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Along with providing information on whether Feverfew supplements might be right for you, this article also links to Fullscript where you can buy high quality supplements. Order online through Fullscript’s secure healthcare formulary to get the best prices and free shipping on professional-grade supplements.

Feverfew is a traditional herb that has been valued for its healing properties for centuries. First native to the Balkan Peninsula, it is now grown and used worldwide. While research is still uncovering the full scope of its effects, studies suggest it may offer benefits such as easing migraines and reducing inflammation. In this article, we explore what makes feverfew an herb of interest and how it may have a place in supporting everyday wellness

What Is Feverfew?

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.) is a small flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). Native to the Balkan Peninsula and now widely grown in North America and Europe, it produces delicate white flowers with yellow centers that resemble tiny daisies. For centuries, herbalists have valued feverfew for its broad range of uses. Greek and early European traditions turned to it for fevers, migraine headaches, arthritis, stomach and tooth pain, insect bites, menstrual concerns, and even to support labor during childbirth. Over time, its applications expanded to include conditions such as psoriasis, allergies, asthma, tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. ~PMC3210009

Much of feverfew’s activity appears to come from a group of natural compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones, especially parthenolide, along with other constituents such as flavonoid glycosides and pinenes. These compounds give the plant anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, and even anticancer properties, as well as a traditional reputation as an emmenagogue and a remedy for intestinal worms.

Today, feverfew is commonly taken as a tea, extract, or supplement. Research continues to explore and confirm its many potential benefits, adding modern evidence to its long history of use. With its wide spectrum of traditional and emerging applications, feverfew remains a notable and versatile medicinal plant.

What Are the Benefits of Feverfew?

Flowers and leaves and parthenolide showed significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, which confirmed the folk use of feverfew herb for treatment of migraine headache, fever, common cold, and arthritis, and these effects are attributed to leaves and/or flowers mainly due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review [PMC3210009]

Is Feverfew Safe?

When it comes to safety, feverfew has a good track record. Many people consume it with minimal side effects, and it has been a part of traditional medicine for centuries. However, like any supplement or herb, it’s essential to exercise caution. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications, consult your healthcare provider before adding feverfew to your regimen. High doses (2400 mg/d) over a long period have been reported to cause issues with bleeding. [PMC8383641] Also, be aware that feverfew can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to plants from the Asteraceae family, like chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies. Start with a lower dose to see how your body reacts, and increase gradually as needed.

Medication Interactions with Feverfew

  • Blood Thinners: Such as warfarin or aspirin. Feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Antidepressants: Particularly SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline, due to potential for increased serotonin levels.
  • Blood Pressure Medications: Feverfew may interact with medications designed to regulate blood pressure.
  • NSAIDs: Like ibuprofen or naproxen, because feverfew also has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Antiplatelet Drugs: Such as clopidogrel, as feverfew may affect platelet aggregation.
  • Certain Antacids: Like omeprazole, as they may interfere with how feverfew is absorbed in your body.

Supplement Interactions with Feverfew

  • Ginkgo Biloba: Both supplements have blood-thinning properties, which could increase the risk of bleeding.
  • St. John’s Wort: Known for affecting serotonin levels, it may interact with feverfew, which also has implications for serotonin.
  • Garlic: Another supplement with blood-thinning properties, which could interact with feverfew’s effects on blood clotting.
  • Ginger: Often used for its anti-inflammatory effects, it might amplify the anti-inflammatory effects of feverfew.
  • Turmeric: Has blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory properties that may interact with similar effects in feverfew.
  • Vitamin E: Being an antioxidant and having mild blood-thinning properties, it may interact with feverfew.
  • Fish Oil: Known for its omega-3 fatty acids and blood-thinning effects, it could interact with feverfew.

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Feverfew 400mg by NOW Foods

Feverfew is an herb that has been traditionally used by European herbalists for centuries. More modern research indicates that its main bioactive compound is parthenolide. NOW® Feverfew is standardized to 0.5% – 0.7% parthenolide per capsule.

  • Standardized Extract
  • 0.5% – 0.7% Parthenolide

Suggested Use: Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily, preferably with food.

Amount Per 1 Veg Capsule Serving

Feverfew Extract … 175mg* (Tanacetum parthenium) (Aerial Parts) (min. 0.5% – 0.7% Parthenolide)     

Feverfew Powder … 150mg* (Tanacetum parthenium) (Aerial Parts)      


Food First!

Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Food is one of the “Pillars of Health”. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.

Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.

To Sum It Up

Feverfew offers a variety of health benefits that make it a noteworthy addition to your wellness routine. From reducing the frequency and severity of migraines to its anti-inflammatory properties, the supplement has been praised for centuries. It can also ease menstrual cramps, reduce stress and anxiety, support skin health, help with arthritis, and enhance digestive well-being. While more research is needed to fully understand its scope, the existing evidence points to a multitude of ways feverfew can improve your health.


This Article is Not a Substitute for Medical Advice

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Supplement Sciences does not provide medical care and cannot ensure the safety or effectiveness of any product for your personal use. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing a serious health condition such as cancer, liver disease, or kidney disease. Dietary supplements are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

About the Author

Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD

Creator of Supplement Sciences and NutriScape.NET. As a dietitian since 1992, Steph has had experiences in consulting, 15 years in clinical, and has operated a private practice nutrition counseling office for since 2011. Log in to comment and save this article on your board or send your comments to reviews@supplement-sciences.com

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