Use feverfew for natural migraine relief

Wednesday, September 07, 2011 by: Shona Botes
Tags: feverfew, migraines, health news

(NaturalNews) Close to a billion people around the world suffer from migraines at some point or other in their lives. This neurological condition is characterized by vomiting, severe headaches, nausea and photophobia of varying intensities (sensitivity to any form of light). The resulting pain can last anywhere between one and 72 hours. 75% of migraine sufferers are women. The herb feverfew has been shown to significantly help reduce the occurrence and intensity of these debilitating headaches.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for migraine relief. In 1633, John Gerard, and English herbalist, declared that feverfew is 'very good for them that are giddie in the head.' A century later, another herbalist, John Hill, noted that 'in the worst headache, this herb exceeds whatever else is known.'

A study published in 1997 stated that feverfew was able to significantly reduce nausea, pain and sensitivity to light and noise. During the 1970's, the wife of the Chief Medical Officer of Britain's National Coal Board suffered from severe migraines. A local miner informed her that after he had started chewing feverfew leaves each day, he no longer suffered from migraines. After using feverfew for 14 months, her migraines stopped completely. Her husband relayed the story to Dr E Stewart Johnson of the City of London Migraine Clinic, who decided to test it on his patients. 70% of the patients who were given the feverfew reported that the intensity and severity of their migraines had been greatly reduced.

Feverfew can be purchased at your local health store in tincture, tea or tablet form. Many herbalists state that it is best when used fresh though. It is also an easy herb to grow, so if you are a migraine sufferer, you may want to consider adding it to your herb garden or window box.

A dose of between 100mg and 300mg is recommended for use in treating migraines. Feverfew should not be used in children under the age of two years. Side effects from an overdose of feverfew may include abdominal pain, swelling of the mouth, lips and tongue, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, indigestion, loss of taste and nervousness. It may also increase the tendency to bleed. Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid the use of feverfew. People who have allergic reactions to ragweed, chamomile or yarrow should also avoid using feverfew.

Sources:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/feverfew-...
http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/fev...
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/nat...
http://www.ehow.com/how_2163686_use-feverfew...



About the author:
Shona Botes blogs about natural remedies, green living, photography, free thinking and personal finance. She spends her spare time engaged in photography, cycling, nature and tending to her organic food garden.

Her blog may be viewed here

Some of her photography work may be viewed here

Other articles written by her may be viewed here