Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a flowering herb from the daisy family, Asteraceae, traditionally used in European medicine for centuries. Historically, it was used for conditions like fevers and pain, leading to its Latin name, febrifugia, or “fever reducer.” Today, feverfew is a popular dietary supplement, primarily for managing and preventing certain types of headaches. The herb contains natural compounds, with the sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide considered the main biologically active component.
Forms of Feverfew and Where to Find Them
Feverfew is available in several commercial forms and can be acquired through multiple retail channels. The most common format is encapsulated dried leaf powder, which offers a convenient and measured method of consumption. These capsules are easily found at large chain pharmacies, major online retailers, and dedicated supplement stores.
Another popular option is the liquid tincture, an alcohol or glycerin extract of the herb, often sold in small dropper bottles. Tinctures and standardized liquid extracts are available from specialized online herbal suppliers, local health food cooperatives, and natural grocery chains. The dried herb itself, consisting of the leaves and flowers, is sold for those who prefer to make their own preparations.
Dried feverfew is often purchased from bulk herb suppliers or specialty tea retailers. For maximum freshness, it is an easy plant to cultivate at home; seeds or starter plants can be sourced from gardening centers or online nurseries. However, the concentration of active compounds varies significantly in home-grown plants, making quality control difficult.
Identifying High-Quality Supplements and Products
Choosing a high-quality feverfew product requires attention to standardization and testing, as the concentration of active compounds varies widely between brands. Therapeutic efficacy is most consistent in products standardized to contain a specific amount of parthenolide. Labels should indicate parthenolide content, with many effective preparations standardized to between 0.2% and 0.4% of the compound.
Third-party testing or certification provides assurance regarding a product’s quality and purity. Look for certifications such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) or adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). These standards suggest the product was consistently manufactured and that the contents match the label claims. A high-quality supplier will also specify that their product has been tested for common contaminants, including heavy metals and pesticides.
Guidelines for Safe Preparation and Consumption
The method of preparation and daily intake varies depending on the form of feverfew purchased. For standardized capsules, a typical intake range is 100 to 300 milligrams of dried leaf powder, taken one to four times daily. This dosage aims to deliver the effective amount of parthenolide identified in clinical research. Consistency is often more important than acute dosing, as feverfew is used for preventative purposes rather than immediate relief.
If using a liquid tincture, consumption guidelines will be specific to the manufacturer’s concentration, usually involving a set number of drops mixed into water or juice. Preparing a tea from the dried herb is possible, but high heat can degrade the active compound parthenolide. Herbalists suggest using a low-heat infusion method, though the effectiveness of tea can be inconsistent due to the compound’s sensitivity.
Important Safety and Interaction Considerations
Before beginning any regimen, understand the potential health and interaction considerations associated with feverfew. Common side effects include mild digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, or upset stomach. Chewing the fresh leaves is discouraged because it may cause mouth sores, swelling of the lips and tongue, and a temporary loss of taste.
Feverfew may interact with certain medications, particularly those that slow blood clotting, such as anti-platelet drugs or anticoagulants. Since the herb may possess blood-thinning properties, combining it with these medications could increase the risk of bruising or bleeding. Due to a lack of sufficient safety data, feverfew should be avoided during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.
A sudden cessation of feverfew use after prolonged consumption can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, headaches, or muscle stiffness. Consumers should be aware that, in the United States, feverfew is classified as a dietary supplement. This means it is not subject to the same rigorous testing and approval process as pharmaceutical drugs by the Food and Drug Administration. This regulatory status underscores the importance of selecting products from reputable manufacturers that provide third-party validation.