Feverfew herb is a delightful short-lived perennial plant with bright chartreuse or yellow leaves and wonderful tiny flowers that look like miniature Shasta daisies with a bright yellow center and white rays. This herb is known by the Latin botanical name of Tanacetum parthenium, although it also has the common names of featherfew, Santa Maria and wild chamomile. Although it has a small daisy-like flower similar to the chamomile flower, the chamomile flower is conical in shape in the central yellow portion of the flower whereas the feverfew flower is flat. Ferverfew herb was originally native to Eurasia, but is now commonly found worldwide, likely because it is self fertile and due to its propensity to reseed freely.

Feverfew herb is used in a variety of ways. It may be drunk as feverfew tea with the flowers being dried for use in tea. The essential oil of feverfew herb may be used in perfumes as well.

Feverfew herb may help to prevent or treat bruising, as well as may help to reduce swelling of joints or injuries. It may be useful as a tonic and as a mild laxative, and the leaves may help with headaches. In traditional herbalist practices the leaves are thought to possibly help with migraines. It may also reduce intestinal gas and may increase menstrual flow. It is bitter in flavor and may stimulate the appetite. The dried flowers of feverfew herb may also help to repel insects.

The name of feverfew herb has an interesting derivation. It was thought in early times to have the ability the break a fever. These types of herbs were known as febrifuges, and thus the name was drawn from that classification. The “parthenium” part of the Latin name goes back to an old myth where a person had fallen off the Parthenon, the famous temple of ancient Greece. This herb was given to him and thought to save his life.

You can find feverfew herb available in cut and sifted as well as powder and capsule forms. Feverfew capsules are usually made from dried leaves. Parthenolide occurs naturally in the plant and is found in the highest concentrations in the flowers and fruit. This active ingredient been used in remedies for the relief of migraines, to help prevent blood clots, as an anti-inflammatory providing relief in cases of arthritis, to relieve some types of menstrual problems, and as a digestive aid.

Why do people seek to alter their consciousness chemically through narcotics, alcohol and other substances?

There is no one generally accepted answer for this. Some studies indicate that the tendency is hard-wired into our brains; some call it an “imperfect spiritual longing.” Conservatives in society consider it a form of misbehavior that calls for punishment, while progressive citizens recognize some forms of addiction as disease that requires treatment.

The controversy rages on, but whether it is a behavioral choice or an inborn tendency, the desire to “get high” is not unique to humans. Just ask any cat.

Nepeta, or catnip, is one of the most common weeds in North America, and possibly one of the most useful. Its effect on felis domesticus is well documented, particularly among cat owners; house cats who smell the essential oils of catnip from its bruised leaves and stems engage in bizarre behaviors that can most accurately be compared to alcoholic intoxication in humans – and in fact, this effect is not confined to domestic cats. Wild jaguars of Central and South America have been observed to react the same way when sensing the presence of catnip¹.

All very well and good, you say, but how is this one of the bulk herbs that offers any added benefits to humans?

Catnip does not have the apparent narcotic effect on humans. However, catnip is one of the safest medicinal herbs commonly available; its phytochemicals are mild enough and present in sufficiently low concentration to administer as a tea to young children who are upset or suffering from the cold or flu.

Catnip also has a sedative effect on adults, and is believed to aid in digestion as well. Catnip is most commonly consumed as dried herbs in the form of a tea, brewed from catnip that has been cut and sifted. Catnip tea may be brewed with a reusable cloth tea bag or tea ball.

“Stalking the Jaguar.” The Natural World.(British Broadcasting Corporation, aired 1 Feb 06)