Botanical atlas
Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew earned its common name from centuries of use as a fever remedy, though generations of herbalists came to prize it most for the head. Cottage gardeners in Britain and across Europe kept a patch by the door, plucking a leaf or two whenever a throbbing headache or the ache of overworked joints set in. Midwives and grandmothers also reached for feverfew to help ease the discomfort of a woman's monthly cycle, and it was tucked into remedies for digestive upset and general low spirits as well. Its wonderfully bitter, camphor-like bite was simply part of taking the medicine.
In tradition.
Feverfew earned its common name from centuries of use as a fever remedy, though generations of herbalists came to prize it most for the head. Cottage gardeners in Britain and across Europe kept a patch by the door, plucking a leaf or two whenever a throbbing headache or the ache of overworked joints set in. Midwives and grandmothers also reached for feverfew to help ease the discomfort of a woman's monthly cycle, and it was tucked into remedies for digestive upset and general low spirits as well. Its wonderfully bitter, camphor-like bite was simply part of taking the medicine.
Traditional preparations.
A gentle infusion traditionally sipped at the first sign of a tension headache or general achiness.
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried feverfew leaf in 250 ml of just-boiled water for 10 minutes, then strain. Traditionally taken once daily, and not for extended stretches without a break.
An old country remedy in which one or two small fresh leaves are folded into a slice of bread and eaten whole, meant to blunt the leaf's notably bitter, mouth-numbing bite.
Fold 1 to 2 small fresh leaves into a piece of bread or a cracker and eat once, occasionally, rather than as a daily habit.
Safety.
Chewing the fresh leaf can cause mouth ulcers or a swollen tongue in sensitive people, and as a daisy-family plant it can trigger allergic reactions in those sensitive to ragweed or chrysanthemums. It may thin the blood, so use caution with blood-thinning medication, and it is traditionally avoided during pregnancy since it's associated with stimulating the uterus. Stopping long-term use abruptly can bring on rebound headaches, so taper off gradually.
Our sister app HerbLens identifies feverfew from a photo and keeps its full botanical portrait: growing guide, harvest notes, and look-alike warnings.
View on HerbLensAsk HerbSense how feverfew is traditionally used and what to know before trying anything at home.
Ask about FeverfewHerbSense shares traditional herbal knowledge for education, not diagnosis or treatment. Herbs can interact with medicines and conditions. Speak with your doctor before acting on anything here, and seek care promptly for anything severe, sudden, or worsening.