Feverfew

Just what is feverfew? Believe it or not feverfew is a small, daisy like plant that can actually work to control migraine headaches and decrease pain, digestive problems, arthritis and fever symptoms. The exact mechanism that feverfew works on the migraines is not completely understood, but it does reduce blood flow and decreases prostaglandin and serotonin, both which have increases in their release just prior to the onset of a migraine. The use of feverfew, migraine and fever reduction trials has been very favorable and has allowed researches to take a closer look at this garden plant.

The feverfew plant has traditionally been grown in both herbal gardens and flower gardens. The leaves of the plant have a very distinct citrus smell, and are known to repel many insects in a flower or vegetable garden. Feverfew cultivation is becoming more popular with an increase demand for safe alternatives to pharmaceutical products for headaches.

Feverfew benefits are many, and all parts of the plant can be used. The benefits of the feverfew herb can be found in eating one to two fresh leaves per day, using capsules of dried feverfew, or liquid extracts. The research into feverfew sustainability with regards to migraine and pain control have been generally very positive, but there is advantages in using fresh or freeze-dried product over dried or processed forms of the plant.

When using prescription medication for acute migraines such as Relpax or Imitrex, feverfew side effects should be carefully monitored. The herb is taken daily as a supplement, and the additional acute prescription migraine medicine may lead to irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, skin rashes or sores in the mouth, nose or eyes. Any side effects noted should be immediately discussed with your doctor.

For women, feverfew during pregnancy, breast feeding or with children under two years old is not recommended. White willow feverfew combinations may be advised in some cases as a alternative to pure feverfew supplements, and the combination works to relieve pain and decrease inflammation and aches. Feverfew vs. hypertension research has lead to promising results in decreasing the high blood pressure in many patients that may be due to stress from chronic pain and inflammatory conditions.

The import export feverfew market continues to grow as many herbal companies and individual buyers wish to begin to use this natural and effective treatment for headaches, inflammation and migraines.