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Feverfew

Tanacetum parthenium

Asteraceae (the Daisy or Aster family)

Other names:

featherfew, featherfoil, midsummer daisy, febrifuge plant, old-woman’s medicine

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Superpower

To calm the restless blood-flow, ease tension in the nervous system, and preserve the inner peace of the brain and micro-circulation.

Cautions

May interact with anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapies (due to effect on platelet aggregation) 

Avoid in pregnancy (emmenagogue action) and breastfeeding unless guided by practitioner.

May cause mouth ulcers or GI upset with chewing fresh herb (due to sesquiterpene lactone content) 

Allergy possible in those sensitive to Asteraceae family.

Known Chemical Constituents

Volatile oils: α-pinene, β-pinene, sabinene, camphor. 

Terpenoids: Sesquiterpene lactones (especially parthenolide)   

Flavonoids: Apigenin, luteolin, quercetagetin and their glycosides 

Phenolic acids: 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acids and other hydroxycinnamates 

Botanical Description

Feverfew is a perennial herb reaching up to about 0.3–0.7 m tall, with creeping rhizomes. The stems are somewhat woody at the base, branching and bearing alternately arranged, pinnate to bipinnate light green leaves which are deeply divided and slightly downturned. The flower heads resemble small daisies, about 2 cm in diameter, with white ray florets and yellow disc florets, forming flat-topped clusters from midsummer into early autumn.

Fun Facts

Its name “feverfew” comes from the Latin febrifugia meaning “fever reducer.”

Despite the name, its most popular modern use is in migraine prevention, not fever-breaking.

Parts Used

Dried aerial parts (leaves + flowering heads)

Harvest

Leaves and flowering heads. Harvest just as the plant is in full bloom, before seed formation, in mid-morning once dew has cleared. Dry in shade with gentle airflow and store in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.

Preparations

Infusion of 1–2 teaspoons dried aerial herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes for headaches and digestive support.

Tincture (1:5 in 40–50% alcohol) of herb for migraine prevention.

Fresh juice or chewing fresh leaves for acute tension headaches.

Sacred Rituals

Work with feverfew in rituals for mental clarity, release of head tension, and calming the “inner storm.” Carry a small sachet of dried flower heads by the pillow to support calm mind and restful sleep.

Affirmations

“I release the storm of my mind and let clear awareness flow gently and freely.”

Spiritual Associations

Feverfew is associated with clarity, protection of the mind, and stabilizing the flow of subtle nerves and thought-streams. It acts as a guardian of the headspace, helping restore calm, release tension, and open the way for intuitive insight.

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Functions

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