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Can Feverfew Help With Migraine Headaches?

Migraine Headaches and Feverfew

Darrell Miller

11/27/12

Date: November 27, 2012 08:03 AM
Author: Darrell Miller (dm@vitanetonline.com)
Subject: Migraine Headaches and Feverfew

Feverfew, the white flowered traditional herb, has been commonly used as an anti inflammatory to combat ailments like fever as well as the pain of arthritis and headaches. It belongs to the chrysanthemum family. This severe headache can have a debilitating effect on the sufferer's productivity. Feverfew has the compounds parthenolides and tanetin.

How it works:

It works by controlling the constriction of blood vessels that is so characteristic of migraine headaches. The constriction of blood vessels is affected by the levels of serotonin. On the other hand, feverfew helps to dilate blood vessels, thereby helping to reduce the pain of migraines. As the blood vessels regain normal tone, the severity of migraine as well as the frequency of incidents is considerably reduced. Migraines have also been linked with platelet disorders and feverfew is said to produce changes in platelet behavior and the general advice is that it should not be taken with other blood thinning drugs. The effect of this natural occurring herb has been studied extensively since it was first reported as an effective remedy for headaches. Results begin to show only after about a month's use. You should have it every day and not wait for your migraine to start as then it may not be as effective.

It is better consumed as a tincture or a capsule. Though generally it is safe to use one should not have feverfew during pregnancy or lactation. In addition to this, you should stop consuming it before any surgery as it has blood thinning properties.