Feverfew

Feverfew is an herb that is often found in supplements used for the prevention of migraine headaches. It is available over-the-counter and comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts. Although feverfew appears to be effective for preventing migraines, further research is needed to establish its safety and effectiveness. Potential side effects include nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Feverfew?

Feverfew is a perennial herb that is often grown for its small, daisy-like flowers. It has long been used for its medicinal properties. Feverfew is best known for its use in preventing migraines, but it is also used for a variety of other purposes. It is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts, although many people simply eat the leaves right off the plant.
 
(Click Benefits of Feverfew for more information, including additional feverfew uses.)
 

How Does Feverfew Work?

It is not known exactly how feverfew works. The leaves (the active part of the plant) contain numerous different chemicals that may have medicinal properties. It is thought that the parthenolide component of feverfew may be responsible for many of its effects. Parthenolide inhibits several enzymes and chemicals in the body that cause pain, inflammation, and other problems. Specifically, parthenolide may inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin 1 (IL-1). Several other chemicals in feverfew may contribute to its effects as well.
 

Is Feverfew Effective?

Feverfew appears to be effective for preventing migraines, although further research is needed to establish how to safely and effectively use it. Feverfew has not been shown to be effective for other uses.
 
(Click Does Feverfew Work? for more information.)
 

Dosing Information for Feverfew

The safe and effective dose of feverfew has not yet been established, especially since different feverfew products (and even different feverfew plants) vary considerably in the content of the active medicinal chemicals.
 
(Click Feverfew Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Feverfew

Many people believe that "natural" products, such as feverfew, have no side effects. However, many natural products cause side effects, some of which can be quite serious. Feverfew can cause side effects such as:
 
(Click Feverfew Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Feverfew

Feverfew may interact with a few other medications or supplements (see Feverfew Drug Interactions).
 

Is Feverfew Safe?

Feverfew is probably safe for many people at reasonable doses for short periods of time. Some people may be more likely to experience problems, however. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking feverfew if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Feverfew Safety for more information, including any available feverfew warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Feverfew?

It is not known exactly what to expect from a feverfew overdose. If you think you may have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Feverfew Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Feverfew Be Stored?

Refer to the label of your individual feverfew product for information on how to best store it. Keep feverfew and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;