The History of Using Feverfew for Migraines: From Ancient Remedies to Modern Relief
Chances are you’ve heard of using the herb feverfew for migraine prevention. Did you ever wonder how it became one of the best known herbal remedies for migraines? Well the history goes WAY back.
The history of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a fascinating journey through time, reflecting how ancient wisdom and contemporary science can converge to offer relief to those who suffer from this debilitating condition.
Ancient Beginnings: The Origins of Feverfew Use
The use of feverfew dates back to ancient times, with its origins believed to be in the mountainous regions of the Balkans, where it grew wild. You can see in the photo that it looks a bit like chamomile.
The Greeks and Romans were among the first to recognize feverfew’s medicinal properties. In fact, its name derives from the Latin word febrifugia, meaning “fever reducer,” indicating its early use in treating fevers and inflammatory conditions.
The ancient Greek physician Dioscorides, who wrote the influential text De Materia Medica, documented the use of feverfew for various ailments, including headaches. Similarly, Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, noted feverfew’s ability to alleviate “violent headaches.”
The Middle Ages: Feverfew in Herbal Medicine
During the Middle Ages, feverfew became a staple in herbal medicine across Europe. Medieval herbalists used the plant not only for fevers but also for its reputed ability to ease pains of all kinds. Feverfew was often grown in monastery gardens as a go-to remedy for headaches and menstrual cramps.
One of the most famous herbal texts of this period, The Grete Herball (1526), mentions feverfew as a treatment for “the payne in the heade” and “the grete yllnesse that cometh with fyts of the head.” These descriptions likely referred to what we now recognize as migraine symptoms.
The Renaissance to the 19th Century: Expanding Use and Understanding
As the Renaissance brought renewed interest in ancient texts, feverfew continued to be a popular remedy in both folk and formal medicine. The herb’s use expanded beyond Europe, with feverfew being cultivated and utilized in the Americas by European settlers. By the 17th century, English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper praised feverfew for its effectiveness against “melancholy and sadness,” which may have referred to the depression that often accompanies chronic migraines.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, feverfew’s reputation as a headache remedy was firmly established in medical texts. The plant was widely prescribed for “sick headaches,” a term commonly used for migraines. Physicians recommended it for its calming effects on the nerves and its ability to reduce the throbbing pain associated with migraines.
The 20th Century: Scientific Inquiry and Validation
In the 1970s and 1980s, several studies investigated feverfew’s potential as a migraine preventive. Researchers found that feverfew contains parthenolide, a compound that appears to reduce inflammation and inhibit the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to migraine attacks.
A landmark study published in The Lancet in 1985 further bolstered feverfew’s reputation. The study involved a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that demonstrated significant reductions in the frequency and severity of migraines among participants who took feverfew daily. This research sparked renewed interest in feverfew and led to its increased popularity as a natural remedy for migraines.
Modern Use: Feverfew in Contemporary Migraine Management
Today, feverfew is widely available as a supplement and continues to be used by many migraine sufferers seeking a natural option. It is often taken in the form of capsules, tablets, or tinctures, with some products combining feverfew with other migraine-preventive supplements like magnesium and riboflavin.
Despite its ancient origins, feverfew remains relevant in modern herbal medicine. Ongoing research continues to explore its mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety. While not everyone with migraines may find relief with feverfew, its long history and the support of scientific studies make it a valuable option for those looking to manage their migraines naturally.
Conclusion
From ancient Greek and Roman physicians to modern-day scientists, feverfew has been recognized for its potential to alleviate headaches, particularly migraines. If you are a migraine sufferer, there is a good chance you have already tried it!
At Engineering Radiance we tend not suggest feverfew to clients, because it is so well known that most would have come across this option and likely tried it out before getting in touch. It can take two months or more to be effective and doesn’t target the root causes of migraines the way our other strategies do.
If you do decide to try it, talk to your doctor before starting feverfew, especially if you are taking any medications as feverfew changes how the liver metabolizes certain medications and is known to interact with blood thinners.
If you’d like help making sense of your migraine symptoms and putting together a road map towards more migraine free days, the best place to start is with a Case Review.
