Can natural herb from the feverfew plant prevent migraines?

 

Migraine headaches affect nearly thirty million people in the United States – many of them women. Some people suffering from migraines only experience an occasional headache, while others are forced to deal with them more than once a week. For some sufferers, the pain can be so severe that it leads to missed time from work and school. While prescription medications are the mainstay of treatment, there’s some evidence that a plant from the sunflower family – called feverfew – may be effective for treating migraine headaches. Does feverfew for migraine really work?

Feverfew Benefits: What is It?

The leaves from the feverfew plant have bitter, citrus odor and have been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions ranging from arthritis to digestive problems – and has shown some promise for treating migraine headaches.

feverfew for Migraine: Does It Work?

Some studies show that feverfew can reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches – although results have been inconsistent.  It can be used for both prevention of migraines, and – at higher doses – to stop a migraine in progress. To reduce the frequency of migraine headaches, feverfew needs to be taken for at least a month before results can be expected.

Feverfew Benefits: How Does It Work?

The active ingredient in the feverfew plant is parthenolide – a compound that has anti-inflammatory effects. It exerts its effects by altering levels of chemicals called prostaglandins which increase inflammation. It also prevents release of serotonin and histamine from platelets. This reduces the tendency of the blood vessels in the brain to dilate and spasm – leading to symptoms of a migraine.

Feverfew for Migraine: Is It Safe?

Feverfew is safe for most people to take. Because it alters the activity of platelets, it can prolong bleeding time and may not be appropriate for people on blood thinning medications. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal upset and nervousness. It shouldn’t be used by women who are pregnant.

Feverfew Benefits: Should You Take It if You Have Migraines?

Studies – so far- have shown inconsistent results with some studies showing benefits for migraine prevention and others showing less than impressive results. Because feverfew has few serious side effects, it may be worth a trial if you suffer from migraines and want to limit the use of prescriptions.  Feverfew can be purchased at a variety of online vitamin stores such as Vitacost. Always talk to your doctor before taking feverfew and be sure to keep a headache journal so you can gauge how effectively it works for you.