(Chrysanthemum Parthenium)
Feverfew
has many names: it is known as Midsummer's Daisy, Bachelor's Button,
Wild Chamomile, Febrifuge plant, Featherfoil, pyrethrum, and
compositae. Feverfew has many medicinal properties: it is a
carminative, tonic, antipyretic, aperient, ammenagogue, and
stimulant.The bark, dried flowers, and leaves of feverfew are the parts usually used. The leaves can be used to make a hot infusion, which is good for treating colic, flatulence, indigestion, flu, and colds. The flowers show a purgative action. Feverfew also relieves headaches, arthritis, fever, and muscle tensions. It stimulates the appetite and eliminates worms, and can be used to promote contractions. To combant migraines, chew up to four leaves a day, but do not use for migraines resulting from a deficiency condition. Feverfew repels bugs; it can be planted in a garden among roses or other flowers to keep away pests. A tincture made with half a pint of cold water keeps away bees, gnats, and mosquitoes. It can also be used to relieve the pain, itching, and swelling of bug bites.
CAUTION:
May cause mouth sores, dermatitis, or an allergic reaction.
Do not use for migraines that result from a weak or deficiency condition.
Most commercial preparations recommend doses that are much too high. An adequate dose is 125 milligrams of the herbs or 250 micgograms of parthenolide a day.