Feverfew: The Natural Headache Reliever that May Fight Cancer
			
 
			
Medicinal Action and Uses-Aperient, carminative, bitter
			
				
As a stimulant it is useful as an emmenagogue.
				
Is also employed in hysterical complaints, nervousness and lowness of spirits, and is a
				general tonic.
				
The cold infusion is made from 1 OZ. of the herb to a pint of boiling water, allowed to cool, and taken frequently in doses of half a teacupful.
				
A decoction with sugar or honey is said to be good for coughs, wheezing and difficult
				breathing.
			
			
 
			
Feverfew’s pain-easing effect is said to come from a biochemical called parthenolides, which combat the widening of blood vessels that occurs in migraines. It may even be more effective than other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), like aspirin! With at least 36 million Americans currently suffering from migraines, the search for relief is on a lot of hurting minds. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210009/
			
 
			
Calms Rheumatoid Arthritis:
			
				
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in the
				hands and feet. 
				
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly
				attacks your own body’s tissues.
				
Feverfew is thought to hinder the production of prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances
				that cause pain and inflammation.
				
In a 1989 study of women with symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis, feverfew was tested as a form of
				relief since laboratory tests previously showed that it can generally reduce inflammation.
				
The women took dosages of 76 milligrams of dried, powdered feverfew leaf but acknowledged that
				100–125 milligrams was previously suggested as an effective dosage.
				
The researchers ultimately admit that perhaps at larger doses might have some benefit for 
				rheumatoid arthritis. 
			
			
 
			
Side Effects and Drug Interactions:
			
				
Feverfew should never be given to children under 2 years old. For older children, ask your doctor whether it’s safe for your child. If so, your doctor will determine the right dose.
				
Women who are pregnant should not use it because it may cause the uterus to contract,
				increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery. Women who are nursing should also avoid its use.
				
It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to feverfew. If you’re allergic to other members of the daisy
				family (including ragweed and chrysanthemums) then you are more likely to be allergic to it.
				
No serious side effects have been reported, but less common side effects from feverfew include
				abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and nervousness. Some people who
				chew the raw leaves may have mouth sores, loss of taste, and swelling of the lips, tongue and
				mouth.
				
Don’t take feverfew together with aspirin, ginkgo biloba or other blood-thinning agents. Talk to
				your doctor before taking it if you have any chronic health issues or you take blood-thinning
				medication or medications that are broken down by the liver.  If you’re scheduled for surgery, tell
				your doctor since it may interact with anesthesia.
				
If you have taken feverfew for more than one week, do not abruptly stop taking it. Stopping it too
				quickly may cause rebound headaches, anxiety, fatigue, muscle stiffness and/or joint pain.