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.