Useful herbs – Feverfew
The word “feverfew” derives from the Latin word febrifugia, meaning “fever reducer.” This herb is one of the useful herbs. The first use of this plant is documented as early as first century. Though the plant has been used as a herbal treatment to reduce fever and to treat headaches, arthritis and digestive problems, this is not supported by scientific findings.
Normally used parts of this herb are Bark, dried flowers, and leaves.
- It is used in prevention of headache and migraine, it treats the cause of headache rather then simply the pain.
- It is used in relieving the pain and inflammation in arthritis.
- It helps to lessen stomach irritation.
- It helps to ease menstrual cramps.
- It can be applied externally as tincture, and is used to treat bruises.
- It help to relieve fever.
- It stimulate appetite.
- Improves digestion and kidney function.
Legends and myths surrounding herbs – Feverfew
There is a legend about feverfew, that this herb saved the life of a person who fell off the famous temple in ancient Greece, the Parthenon. Hence, the name parthenium.
The Greek herbalist Dioscorides is believed to have treated arthritis with the herb feverfew. In 1649, Culpeper recommended feverfew for headaches and to strengthen women’s wombs. In 1772, another famous herbalist, John Hill, treated headaches. He also stated “this herb exceeds whatever else is known.”
In 1985, it was reported that extracts of feverfew inhibited the release of 2 inflammatory substances; serotonin from platelets and prostaglandin from white blood cells. Both are thought to contribute to the onset of migraine attacks and perhaps even to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis.
Nature has got a number of herbs, which help humans and animals. Feverfew is one of those herbs, which are useful to mankind.