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Feverfew, a small daisy-like flower with a pungent, bitter odor has for centuries been used as an herbal remedy to treat headaches and a variety of other ailments. The plant originated in Europe but is now found throughout North America and Australia as well. Feverfew flowers blossom between July and October and grow in a dense, flat cluster. Feverfew products are made from dried feverfew leaves, though all parts of the plant, except its root, are considered to have medicinal properties. Supplements based on the plant are typically available in the form of capsules, tables and liquid extracts though sometimes feverfew can also be purchased fresh, dried or freeze dried. Though feverfew can be used to treat multiple ailments, it is perhaps best known for its ability to help migraine sufferers alleviate their pain. Numerous research studies have shown the plant to be quite effective in reducing migraine pain among individuals who take a controlled amount of feverfew daily. Regular ingestion of feverfew has also been shown to reduce the frequency with which migraine headaches occur among individuals. Feverfew's medicinal properties are thought to derive from the presence of a substance called parthenolide, which works as an anti-inflammatory in much the same way that ibuprofen does. The herb is believed to inhibit the flow of certain chemicals that cause blood vessels in the head to spasm. Such spasms are believed to be the root cause of migraine. Researchers believe that feverfew supplements should contain at least 0.2% of parthenolide in order for it to be effective against migraine headaches. The presence of sesquiterpene lactone in feverfew is also believed to inhibit the secretion of serotonin, which is also thought to contribute to the onset of migraine. Clinical studies have shown that when feverfew supplements are taken in combination with other natural substances, the results can be quite beneficial for migraine sufferers. In one clinical study, individuals were given feverfew in combination with white willow, a plant that contains substances similar to those found in aspirin. Individuals who took part in the study received the combination twice daily for 12 weeks. At the end of the period, those who took the combination reported a significant reduction in the frequency of migraine attacks and the intensity associated with such attacks. In another study, feverfew taken in combination with magnesium and vitamin B12 resulted in a 50% decrease in migraine headaches among those who participated in the study. As with any herbal remedy, regular ingestion of feverfew over a long period can have negative side effects and drug interactions. The most commonly associated side effects include indigestion, flatulence, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nervousness and vomiting. Feverfew has also been known to cause mouth ulcers and swelling of lips among those who chew the leaves raw. In additon, feverfew can increase the tendency to bleed for people on blood-thinning medications. Feverfew supplements are not recommended for young children or for pregnant women.
Emma Esmond is regularly writes about natural migraine relief. Read about how feverfew and migraine medications are a potent combination.
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