Feverfew, scientifically known as Tanacetum parthenium, is a flowering perennial plant from the daisy family, Asteraceae, with a long history of use in traditional medicine. The name itself is derived from the Latin word febrifugia, reflecting its historical application in reducing fever. For centuries, it has been a common remedy in European folk herbalism, where it was also used to address general aches, inflammatory conditions, and stomach issues. The most recognized traditional use of feverfew today is for supporting individuals who experience frequent headaches, particularly migraines.
Understanding the Different Forms of Feverfew
Consumers looking to acquire feverfew will encounter the herb in three primary commercial forms: dried bulk herb, encapsulated powders, and liquid extracts. The dried leaf and flower material is often sold as a bulk herb, typically used to prepare teas or infusions. While this form allows for a direct experience with the plant, the naturally aromatic and intensely bitter flavor of the dried herb can be off-putting to some users.
Capsules and tablets represent a popular method for consuming feverfew because they provide a convenient, pre-measured dose and bypass the herb’s strong taste. Liquid extracts, or tinctures, involve soaking the herb in a solvent, typically alcohol and water, to draw out the active compounds. Tinctures offer rapid absorption and can be easily mixed into water or juice, though they also retain the herb’s distinctive, pungent flavor.
Factors Influencing Product Quality and Selection
The compound most closely associated with the herb’s activity is parthenolide, a sesquiterpene lactone found primarily in the leaves. Standardization is the process by which a manufacturer guarantees a specific minimum level of this active marker compound in the final product. A commonly cited standard for effective feverfew supplements is to contain at least 0.2% parthenolide by weight. Parthenolide concentration can degrade by a significant percentage during storage, making a guaranteed minimum content on the label a reliable indicator of product integrity.
To ensure product safety and purity, look for evidence of third-party testing on the packaging. Independent laboratories verify that the supplement contains what the label claims and confirm the absence of common contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and harmful microorganisms.
Transparency in sourcing is also beneficial, with many reputable suppliers indicating whether the feverfew was conventionally grown or harvested from certified organic sources. Organic certification can provide assurance that the herb was grown without the use of synthetic chemical inputs, though it does not replace the need for parthenolide content verification.
Common Retail and Online Sources for Acquisition
For the quick acquisition of common encapsulated forms, large national retail pharmacies and drug stores are easily accessible options. These sources typically stock a limited number of well-known national brands, prioritizing convenience for the consumer.
Natural health food stores and local supplement shops often provide a more curated selection, carrying a wider array of feverfew products, including both capsules and tinctures. The staff at these specialized locations may also have more detailed information regarding a product’s sourcing and standardization levels.
However, the greatest variety of forms, including bulk dried herb and specialized extracts, is generally found through dedicated online herbal suppliers. Online vendors often provide greater transparency about their manufacturing processes, clearly listing third-party testing results and specific parthenolide content on their websites.
For those interested in a sustained supply or in using fresh leaf, live feverfew plants or seeds can be purchased from online nurseries or local garden centers. Growing the herb allows for the freshest possible product, but it requires careful identification and preparation to ensure proper use.