A bushy, hardy perennial, to 1 m (3 ft.), with bright-green, pungently aromatic, pinnately-lobed leaves and a mass of white daisy-like flowers, with yellow centers, in early to midsummer.
History and traditions
The medicinal properties of feverfew have long been recognized. The Greek philosopher, Plutarch, writing in 1st-century Athens, says that the plant was named ruthenium after treatment with feverfew saved the life of a workman who fell from the Parthenon. The common name comes from the Latin debris, fever, and figure, to chase away. In the centuries that followed, herbalists recommended this herb, usually in a mixture of honey or sweet wine to disguise its bitterness, for a range of ills. Bancke’s Herbal, 1525, advocates it for stomach disorders, toothache and insect bites, Culpeper recommends it for women’s troubles and as an antidote to a liberal intake of opium (The English Physician, 1653). But others evidently recognized its value for the relief of headaches and migraine. Gerard wrote, “it is very good for them that are giddy in the head, or which have the turning called Vertigo, that is, swimming and turning in the head” (The Herball, 1597). And Sir John Hill, in his Family Herbal, 1772, states clearly, “in the worst headaches, this herb exceeds whatever else is known.” Feverfew came to prominence in modern times after a Welsh doctor’s wife found relief in 1974 from both chronic migraine and rheumatism by eating feverfew leaves. Since then this herb has undergone much scientific study and has been found to be a relatively effective and safe remedy for these complaints.
Related species
There are a number of cultivars, including some with golden foliage (as above), or double flowers, which make attractive ornamentals, but do not have the same medicinal properties.
Habitat/distribution
It is native to southern Europe, widely introduced elsewhere. Found on dry, stony soils.
Growth
Grows in any poor, free-draining soil and tolerates drought. Propagate by seed sown in spring, or by cuttings or division in spring. Self-seeds prolifically.
Parts used
Leaves, flowering tops for eating fresh, or dried for use in tablets and pharmaceutical products.
Uses
Medicinal
Feverfew lowers fever and dilates blood vessels. Fresh leaves are sometimes eaten (usually sweetened with honey, as they are very bitter) to reduce the effects of migraine headaches. It is also taken in tablet form for migraine, rheumatism and menstrual problems.
