Feverfew Plant Information

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Overview

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is related to sunflowers. Its name is derived from a latin word that means "fever reducer" and it has been used as a fever reducer and pain reliever in European folk medicine for centuries.

Description

Feverfew is a 2- to 3-foot perennial plant. It is also known as wild quinine or bachelor's buttons.

Flowers

Small, daisy-like flowers appear on the plant from July to October.

Foliage

Foliage is yellowish green and bitterly aromatic. Medicinal compounds are derived from the leaves of the plant.

Requirements

Feverfew prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade in warmer regions. Grow feverfew in well-drained soil in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Medicinal Use

According to a study conducted at the Neurologische Universitätsklinik in Essen, Germany, a compound found in feverfew reduced the number of migraine episodes in the study group.

Warning

Individuals who are allergic to ragweed might be sensitive to feverfew as well.

References

University of MD: Feverfew
Memorial Sloan Kettering: Feverfew
Neurologische Universitätsklinik

Keywords: feverfew, pain reliever, migraine

About this Author

Moira Clune is a freelance writer who since 1991 has been writing sales and promotional materials for her own and other small businesses. In addition, she has published articles on VetInfo and various other websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hartwick College.

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