|
Herbs & Supplements
Altamisa
Scientific Name: Feverfew
Other Names: Chrysanthemum parthenium, Featherfew, Flirtwort, Pyrethrum parthenium, Tanacetum parthenium, Wild Chamomile, Wild Quinine
Who is this for?
Uses
As its name suggests, feverfew has been used historically to control fevers--usually that were associated with infections. More recently, feverfew has been studied for preventing migraine headaches. In several studies, the frequency, length, and/or severity of migraines were reduced among study participants who took feverfew daily as a preventive measure. Active migraine headaches were not relieved by taking feverfew. However, a recent small study found that a combination product containing feverfew and ginger did stop or reduce migraine symptoms when it was taken at the first sign of the headache. Another study showed a similar effect when feverfew was taken together with white willow. Results from studies of feverfew combinations seem to confirm a current theory that several of feverfew's components act together to prevent migraine symptoms. For years, researchers believed that parthenolide, one of the chemicals in feverfew, was responsible for most of feverfew's effects. In the last few years, however, parthenolide's actual effects have been questioned after a study showed no difference in the number, intensity, or length of migraines suffered by individuals taking a dried feverfew preparation that was standardized to contain a specific amount of parthenolide and those taking placebo (inactive sugar pills). Much more research is needed to prove or disprove feverfew's place in migraine prevention and treatment.
Feverfew is also used for relieving the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Chemicals in feverfew may reduce the body's production of substances that initiate and prolong inflammation, which is the body's response to irritation, injury, or infection. Inflammation usually includes pain, redness, and swelling in the area of the damage ,and it can occur within body tissues as well as on the surface of the skin. Chemicals in feverfew are thought to prevent blood components called platelets from releasing inflammatory substances. Feverfew may also reduce the body's production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances made in the body and involved in inflammation. Prostaglandins also have roles in regulating a number of other body functions including blood pressure, blood vessel tone, and temperature. All of these effects could help relieve fever, arthritis, and migraine. More studies are needed, however, to confirm feverfew's effectiveness.
|
Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
|
|
Who is this for? 
