Feverfew

(Tanacetum parthenium)

Feverfew is an herb shown to help prevent migraine headaches and lessen their severity by relaxing the blood vessels in the head. Feverfew also reduces the nausea and vomiting that can come with migraines.

Research shows:

• 24% fewer migraines than the placebo group.

• Less severe migraines than the placebo group.

How much?

50 to 250 mg of dried whole feverfew leaves daily. Try Eclectic Institute or Nature's Way, Migrafew.

Cost: $4 to $8 per month

Safe?

Feverfew is a very safe herb but there are a few cautions:

• Feverfew may be a problem if you're allergic to ragweed, yarrow, or chamomile.

• Don't use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding if you are taking a strong blood thinning drug like coumadin (warfarin) or heparin so get medical advice before taking feverfew.

-Sara Lee Thomas, RD, 05-2001

Minor editorial revisions by J. Thomas, 2016.