FEVERFEW
(Tanacetum parthenum)
A very easily grown plant, it succeeds in an ordinary garden soil, plants can even be grown in walls. Often grown in the flower garden, feverfew is usually self-sowing. The leaves have a refreshing aromatic aroma. The herb has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine as a treatment for disorders often controlled by aspirin, such as fever, headaches and some of the accompanying symptoms such as nausea and depression. Recently feverfew has been gaining fame as a effective treatment for migraine headaches.It is the combination of ingredients in the feverfew plant that brings such effective relief. It works to inhibit the release of two inflammatory substances, serotonin and prostaglandins, both believed to contribute to the onset of migraines. By inhibiting these, as well as the production of the chemical histamine, the herb controls inflammation that constricts the blood vessels in the head, and prevents blood vessel spasms which may contribute to headaches. It may also help ease diseases caused by chronic inflammation such as arthritis. It is an aromatic plant with a strong and lasting odor, it has been used externally as an insect repellent and for treating insect bites. The tea, drunk cold, may also relieve skin perspiration associated with migraines, and has been used to stimulate appetite, and improve digestion and kidney function.
	Also used as a foot bath for swollen feet. Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises. Chewing several leaves a day has proven to be effective in preventing some migraine headaches. Feverfew's seditive properties make it useful in hysterical complaints, nervousness, low spirits, and is a general tonic. Also said to be good as a syrup for coughs, wheezing and breathing difficulties. Feverew is very similar to the flowers of the Chamomile, but with more warmth. For those that have cold and weak stomachs, scarcely any thing equals them. They are best taken by infusion, like tea.
For an infusion, use 14g of the dried flowers to 570mls of boiling water. It is a useful remedy for teething troubles in infants and the infusion can be administered to children in teaspoonful doses. The infusion is also used as an enema and douche, and as a lotion or wash for cuts and bruises. It reduces inflammation and nerve pain. The herb infused in olive oil makes a useful massage oil. CAUTION: Pregnant women should not use the herb, and some people have developed mouth ulcers or experienced loss of taste from eating the fresh leaves.
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