Curated by Maria Rita Insolera, Naturopath
Feverfew, in modern phytotherapy, is mainly used in the prevention and treatment of migraine and menstrual pain. Let's find out better.
Property of feverfew
Parthenion is known for its anti-inflammatory properties . In particular, feverfever exhibits a remarkable activity against migraines, particularly those defined as vasomotor, in which there is an alternation of stimuli on the blood vessels which causes vasoconstriction and subsequent vasodilation. This causes a deformation of the walls of the vessels themselves, which thus press on the neighboring nerve endings, triggering pain, which can become increasingly excruciating due to the concomitant production of mediators that enhance the painful signal.
The elements of the plant that contain the active ingredients are the aerial parts, especially the leaves, whose balsamic period, in which the concentration of active medicinal substances is maximum, is just before flowering. The main substances contained in feverfew are flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and polyphenols .
Among these, the most important for the medicinal activity of the plant is the parthenolide : this substance has the ability to reduce the contraction of smooth muscles and its excitability. This explains the use, since ancient times, of feverfew, which is a useful remedy for dysmenorrhea and against migraine.
From some studies, hypotensive, antispasmodic properties at the level of the digestive tract have also been highlighted, again due to the action on the smooth muscles. As a consequence, there would also be a mild tranquilizing effect that would facilitate sleep if the plant is taken in the evening.
Its anti-inflammatory action also has a good soothing effect on joint pains, including those arising from rheumatoid arthritis.
Method of use
In herbal medicine, feverfew is found in the form of an extract and in the form of chewable capsules or tablets. It is used in the prevention and treatment of disorders characterized by pain and inflammation, in particular headache, dysmenorrhea, musculoskeletal disorders .
For all those external treatments that include rheumatic and muscular pain, you can buy flowers and leaves to make a decoction to apply on the painful parts or buy the soothing creams directly containing the active ingredients of the plant.
Since the fever also has mild properties against anxiety and insomnia, it is sold in capsules that also contain extracts or powders of other medicinal plants that can accentuate the effect against physical and mental agitation and promote sleep.
The leaves are used in the parthenon with the aerial parts attached. The infusion of feverfew has beneficial hypotensive, digestive and emmenagogue effects. Between July and September the aerial parts of the plant are harvested and dried. They are used in the form of a decoction or infusion that is sipped or used to make compresses on parts of the body that are painful, such as inflammations of the skin or muscle pains.
The bitter taste of the parthenonum is used in some culinary preparations that require a bitter aftertaste. It is mainly used to prepare vegetable and soup soups in general, aromatic omelettes and is also added to fatty meat dishes.
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Contraindications of feverfew
Following the intake of fever, allergic dermatitis and mucosal ulcerations (in contact with the fresh plant and in predisposed subjects), vomiting, diarrhea, headache, insomnia may appear .
Avoid in case of gastritis, ulcer, ascertained hypersensitivity towards one or more components. Do not use during pregnancy and lactation.
Not to be confused with Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare, sin. Chrysanthemum vulgare), whose flowers were used in folk medicine as an anthelmintic remedy, today abandoned due to the presence of an essential oil rich in thion, neurotoxic and abortive.
It is contraindicated in case of taking serotonergic drugs (for example antidepressants). Do not administer to anyone who is allergic to composite. Prolonged use is not recommended, the prescription must be made by the doctor.
Description of the plant
Feverfew ( Tanacetum parthenium ), is a plant of the Composite family. In Italy, depending on the place, it is known by the names of amarella, amareggiola, matricale, maresina and marga grass .
The plant has an erect and pubescent stem and can reach up to 70 centimeters in height. The leaves have a petiole and the flowers are very small and similar to tiny daisies. It is a perennial herb, little cultivated, but often present in the fields. It is about 80 centimeters high with a penetrating and unpleasant smell.
Habitat of Partenio
Like many composites, parthenon grows spontaneously, preferring uncultivated fields and abandoned places. It can be cultivated for herbal use by arranging it in rows, in not too close furrows, because otherwise part of the plant's active ingredients are lost. Partenio does not need a particular soil, but adapts to all types of soil, even stony ones.
Background
Feverfew is a well-known plant since ancient times. It is believed to have been mentioned already by the Dioscorides (I century BC) who suggested it for many ailments including, in particular, those characterized by "heat" (inflammation), while Pliny advised it in 79 AD as a cure for vertigo.
In traditional medicine, parthenon, has been used as a helper for the expulsion of the placenta. The twigs of feverfew were placed in the coffins of the dead, as a symbol of guaranteeing the immortality of the soul.
