Feverfew









Feverfew


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Feverfew has been used in individuals with migraine headaches and to help relieve menstrual pain, inflammation, and possibly asthma.
How does it work?
It is thought that feverfew blocks the action of specific chemicals that are responsible for causing inflammation. Feverfew may also help to relax smooth muscles by an affect on certain cells. Its ability to effect migraines may be due to inhibition of serotonin, a chemical thought to contribute to migraines.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Do not suddenly stop using this product if you have been taking it for a long time. Product should be slowly decreased.
  • Since the effects of this product may take several weeks of regular use, you are encouraged to use it for a minimum of 1 month before determining whether it has been effective.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Do not stop taking this natural product without first discussing it with healthcare provider.
  • Do not use if you have active bleeding (for example, a bleeding ulcer). Use caution in bleeding disorders/history of bleeding. Potential interaction with medications and natural products that thin the blood, such as anticoagulants (warfarin), aspirin, antiplatelet agents (ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, ginger, vitamin E, NSAIDs (ibuprofen), and others.
  • Stop using this product 14 days prior to dental or surgical procedures.
  • You may bleed easily. Be careful to avoid injury. Use a soft toothbrush, electric razor.
  • Use with caution if you have an allergy to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants (ragweed, daisy, aster, chrysanthemum) and/or other pollens.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Mouth sores. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help.
  • Rash.
  • Menstrual changes. Premenopausal women may not have a normal period. Postmenopausal women may have bleeding and spotting.
What should I monitor?
  • Check prothrombin time/INR. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Length or severity of menstrual cycles.
  • Any significant changes in skin (pigmentation, color, rash).
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Leaves
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Anticoagulants, aspirin, aspirin-containing products, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, others), antiplatelet agents
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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