botanical name(s): Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium
synonyms: feverfew, tansy, featherfew, febrifuge plant, mutterkraut, camomille grande
part(s) used: leaves
qualities: bitter, cool
affinities: vasculature, liver, uterus
actions: anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, relaxant nervine, digestive bitter, uterine stimulant, emmenagogue
dosage:
» best results, eat 1-3 fresh leaves per day; in winter, freeze leaves
» freeze-dried capsules: 2 capsules three times daily
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
therapy: nervousness, colic, insect bites, arthritis, dysmenorrhea (Hoffman), migraine headaches (some women experience increased menstrual cramping when they take it daily for migraines)
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b
toxicity: 2
» contraindicated during pregnancy; volatile oils of Tanacetum parthenium have emmenagogue and abortifacient properties (Brinker, p. 98)
» sesquiterpene lactones may cause skin reactions (Stevens; Fuller and McClintock, p. 370)
» symptoms of intoxication by alcohol and/or oil soluble portions of Tanacetum parthenium include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, mydriasis, a rapid weak pulse, and renal problems; spasms, paralysis, and convulsions may occur, followed by coma and death due to respiratory paralysis (Brinker, p. 98; Dreisbach, pp. 432-433; Spoerke, p. 168)
» laboratory test results: anemia; urinalysis indicates casts, hemoglobinuria, hematuria, proteinuria, and glycosuria (Dreisbach, pp. 432-433)
» fresh leaves may cause mouth ulcers in sensitive people
constituents: volatile oil, sesquiterpene lactones
footnotes
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Dreisbach, R.H. 1980. Handbook of Poisoning: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment, 10 ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Lange Medical Publications.
Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.
Hoffman, D. 1994. The Information Sourcebook of Herbal Medicine. The Crossing Press, Freedom, CA.
Spoerke, DG, Jr., 1980. Herbal Medications. Santa Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Company.