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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium / Chrysanthenum parthenium) Print E-mail

for aches and pain in the head...

In the Garden | Culinary | Cosmetic | Medicinal use

Popular garden varieties

Feverfew

Notice the flower and
leaf shape, do not
confuse with
Chamomile

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In the Garden

Growth Characteristics:

  • Perennial, Evergreen, Frost hardy,
  • Height: ± 1m; Spread: ±50 cm,

     

Cultivation:

  • Full sun; Well drained, composted soil,

     

Harvesting:

  • Pick fresh leaves and flowers throughout the year,

     

Companion Planting:

  • Attracting Beneficial insects: Bees and is often planted near fruit trees to assist pollination,

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Cosmetic
  • Makes a useful moisturiser, helps to reduce freckles and blemishes,
  • Flower stems placed in linen closets will discourage moths,
  • Flowers add colour to potpourri,

     

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Medicinal use

Feverfew may be beneficial in the following cases:

General
  • To reduce Fevers,
Nervous System
  • To prevent Migraine attacks, Headaches,
  • Vertigo,
Cardiovascular System
  • Blood thinner (anti-coagulant), Protects against clot formation,
Digestive system
  • Indigestion,
Reproductive System
  • Painful, absent or irregular menstruation,
Musculo / Skeletal System
  • It may also help ease diseases caused by chronic inflammation, such as arthritis.

 

Preparation and dosage:

FRESH LEAVES:

  • 1 or 2 large, or 3 or 4 small leaves, every day until positive results achieved. Can also be eaten with bread in a sandwich or in mashed banana.

TINCTURE:

  • 5-20 drops every 2 hours for acute conditions. Three times daily for chronic.

SIDE EFFECTS / CAUTION:

  • Taken as recommended, standardized feverfew causes minimal side effects. Minor side effects may include gastrointestinal upset and nervousness. Chewing feverfew leaves has been known to cause mouth ulcers.
  • Feverfew is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation, and should not be used by children under the age of two years. Also not used when taking the contraceprive pill.
  • Do not use with other blood thinning medication like Warfarin.

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