Nearly a billion people all over the world suffer from migraines at some time or another in their own lives. This illness is characterized by intense headaches, vomiting, nausea, and photophobia of different intensities (susceptibility to any kind of light). The resultant discomfort can last between 1-72 hours. Using feverfew for migraines is seen to substantially lower the incidence and intensity of the debilitating headaches. This is due to the herb’s anti-inflammatory capabilities, which makes it an outstanding option for migraine relief.
What is It Made From?
Feverfew products generally comprise dehydrated feverfew leaves, but all portions of the plant that grow above-ground can be utilized. Investigators believe a natural product called parthenolide, which helps reduce spasms in smooth muscle tissue, is what makes feverfew powerful against migraines. Parthenolide itself could actually halt cancer cells from developing and could also decrease inflammation.
Ways to Take Feverfew for Migraines
Feverfew Supplements
This is the favorite of many because it’s so simple to take. If you decide to go this route make sure that you get them from a high-quality herbal manufacturer and not a generic company that adds a lot of garbage into the pills.
Munching on Dry Leaves
One of the easiest ways to take the herb and receive the would be to chew up two or three of the leaves whenever you feel a migraine coming on. Don’t chew up fresh, uncooked leaves, though; use dried ones. The fresh, uncooked leaves can irritate a person’s mouth, cause swelling or even a rash. In some cases, you could lose your ability to taste for a short while. Due to this it is far better to chew them dry.
Be aware, though, that certain individuals may experience an upset stomach when taking feverfew in this fashion.
Feverfew Tincture
A tincture made from feverfew is really just a liquid extract that allows you to take out the medicinal qualities of the plant. It’s done with glycerin syrup or booze (80 proof vodka or brandy). Chop the leaves up (fresh ones this time) and place them all in a half-pint glass jar. Ensure that you cover the cap tightly and completely. Shake it once in awhile and keep it for about a month in a cool, dry area away from where the sunlight or any heat at all can reach it. It’s vital that you tincture is kept from heat because the property in feverfew, parthenolide, is going to be ruined if subjected to heat.
After 1 month strain the tincture and pour the liquid into a clear and sterilized glass jar or bottle (glass, remember, not plastic). Your long-awaited medication is prepared! Take roughly twenty drops each day.
Drinking Feverfew Tea
Herbal tea blends are also excellent ways to benefit from any specific herb, and they can be rather pleasant, too! You can drink feverfew tea mixed with some chamomile and lemon balm to get fast relief.
Feverfew Leaf Infusion
Even though this one is going to be bitter in flavor, most would prefer such a thing to a migraine. Such an infusion stimulates and boosts your body in general.
Feverfew will undoubtedly lower the pain of a migraine, yet many believe that taking it consistently will keep a migraine away. Should you consistently take it over the course of a few months it could help as a preventative medicine. Consult with your primary health care provider should you experience negative effects from taking it, or if you have any questions about how it’ll affect your health.
Feverfew Migraine Dose
Dosage For Adults
A dose of between 100mg and 300mg is recommended for use in treating migraines. When using it over the long term you can take this dosage 1-3 times a day based on how your body is reacting.
Dosage For Children
Feverfew shouldn’t be utilized in children who are under two years of age (source: UMMC). For older kids, correct the suggested adult dosage of feverfew according to the weight of the kid. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that dosages of herbs are typically for an adult weighing 150 pounds. This means that if your kid is 75 pounds, for example, they’d take half of the suggested dosage for adults (between 50-150mg).
Possible Side Effects
Side effects of feverfew contain dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, acid reflux, flatulence, bloating, dizziness, anxiety, joint stiffness, difficulty sleeping, menstrual changes, rash or weight gain. You may respond poorly to feverfew if you have allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, or chamomile. Withdrawal symptoms from feverfew might happen in the event that you unexpectedly cease long-term use instead of tapering off. Withdrawal symptoms include stress, headache, exhaustion, muscle stiffness, and pain.
Extra Warnings
Feverfew is not advised to be used by those who suffer from bleeding disorders or those who take anticoagulants. This is because it might raise your body’s propensity to bleed. It also isn’t something you should utilize in conjunction with herbs or supplements that slow blood-clotting like garlic, cloves, ginger, nin-sin, red clover, and turmeric. Feverfew is not advised for pregnant women because it might force the uterus to contract and effect premature labor or miscarriage. The herb is also not favored for women that are nursing.