Herb library · Herb · Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew
A daisy-flowered plant sold mostly for migraine. Some research suggests it may reduce how often migraines come and ease some symptoms, but the studies are small and the results mixed.
Traditional use
Native to western Asia and the Balkans, it now grows worldwide. It was traditionally used for breathing, stomach and menstrual complaints, kidney and liver disease, ringing in the ears, earache, fever, infertility and anemia. Today it is sold for migraine, minor head pain and joints, and on the skin for itching. It is a different plant from American feverfew (Parthenium integrifolium).
Traditional energetics
Galenic (hot or cold, dry or moist)
Hot in the third degree, dry in the second. Culpeper's Complete Herbal (1814), p. 241 (opens in a new tab)
What studies show
- Limited
Migraine: a 2020 review of 7 small studies (634 people), using different sources and doses, found inconsistent results. Some research suggests it may lower how often migraines come and ease pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise.
- Insufficient
Other conditions: there is little or no evidence.
Be careful of
Cautions
- NoteNo serious side effects have been reported. It can cause nausea, digestive upset and bloating; chewing the fresh leaves can cause mouth sores and irritation. On the skin it may cause dermatitis.
- AllergyPeople sensitive to ragweed and related plants may react to it.
- ConditionIt may slow blood clotting; stop it at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.
- InteractionIt may interact with some medicines, including migraine medicines.
- PregnancyDo not take it while pregnant: it may affect uterine contractions. Little is known about breastfeeding.
- Ask a clinicianTalk with a clinician or pharmacist before using this if you take prescription medicines, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are giving it to a child.
From the old books
What herbals and dispensaries of the past printed. History, in their words.
“Bees are said to dislike this plant very much, and a handful of the flower-heads will cause them to keep at a distance.”
Sources
- Feverfew: Usefulness and Safety (opens in a new tab) · NCCIH · read September 25, 2026
Reviewed September 25, 2026.