FEVERFEW

Possible applications:

• Allergy
• Dysmenorrhea
• Headache (migraine)
• Inflammation
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

As the name implies, feverfew reduces fever as well as migraines and arthritis.  Some double-blind studies have shown it to work best in the worse types of  headaches.   It inhibits the release of blood vessel dilating substances from circulating platelets (seratonin and histamine found in elements like alpha blockers), it inhibits the production of inflammatory substances (leukotrines, serine proteases, etc) and reestablishes proper blood vessel tone.  The active ingredient is parthenolide.  Chewing the leaves sometimes causes small ulcerations in the mouth and swelling of the lips; however, no serious side effects are known.
Dose varies from 50to 100 mg per day.

ŠJamie Longstreet 1996-2004