Feverfew

Feverfew – Tanacetum parthenium

Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb and is also occasionally grown for ornament. It is also commonly seen in the literature by its synonyms, Chrysanthemum parthenium and Pyrethrum parthenium. It is also sometimes referred to as bachelor’s buttons or featherfew. The feverfew plant is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies and grows into a small bush up to around 46 cm (18 in) high with citrus-scented leaves. It spreads rapidly, and will cover a wide area after a few years. The species grows to up to 60 cm high. The leaves are variously pinnatifid with conspicuous flowers up to 20 mm across. The outer florets are all ligulate and white. The inner florets of feverfew are yellow and tubular in lax corymbs. It has been used as a herbal treatment to reduce fever and to treat headaches, arthritis and digestive problems, and the active ingredients of feverfew include parthenolide.

Safety: The fresh leaves of feverfew can cause ulcers in the mouth. Do not take if you’re taking another type of blood-thinner. Pregnant women should not use.

Country of origin: United States