Overview

Feverfew is a plant called Tanacetum parthenium. It is available over the counter as a dietary supplement and is also used in some products that are applied to the skin. Although it is commonly used for headaches and other aches and pains, its benefits for these uses are not well defined. Common side effects may include an upset stomach (when taken by mouth) or skin irritation (when applied to the skin). Before using feverfew, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is feverfew used for?

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is used for various reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use feverfew include the following.

• Headaches, including migraine and tension headaches
• Irritated skin
• Joint problems
• Minor aches and pains

Note: The FDA has not reviewed feverfew for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does feverfew work (mechanism of action)?

Feverfew (European feverfew) is a plant called Tanacetum parthenium. It is not the same as American feverfew (Parthenium integrifolium), which contains different chemicals that may have different effects in the body. Dietary supplements that contain feverfew are usually made from the leaves of the plant.

Feverfew contains many different chemicals, some of which may help ease swelling (inflammation) and act as antioxidants. This has led to interest in taking feverfew to help with minor aches and pains, as well as joint problems. Some people also apply feverfew to irritated skin. But the benefits of feverfew for these uses are not well defined.

One of the most popular uses of feverfew is for treating and preventing migraine. Some research shows that feverfew may help reduce the average number of migraine attacks in a month, but only by a small amount. Other research shows that feverfew does not help with migraine at all. More research is needed to understand whether feverfew is helpful for migraine or any other types of headaches.

Herbal products like feverfew naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific product may vary from product to product. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may vary depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store feverfew?

You should store feverfew as directed on the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of feverfew?

The most common side effects of feverfew are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Rash or irritation (when applied to the skin)
• Upset stomach (when taken by mouth)

There may be other side effects of feverfew that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of feverfew?

While less common, the most serious side effects of feverfew are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Feverfew may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using feverfew and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use feverfew?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use feverfew.

• European feverfew
• Feverfew
• Tanacetum parthenium
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific feverfew products they stock.

What should I know about feverfew before using it?

Feverfew is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep feverfew out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as feverfew, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific feverfew product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Feverfew is available in many different forms, including liquid extracts, dried ground powder, tea, and capsules. It is also available in creams and lotions that are applied to the skin. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

Chewing on fresh feverfew leaves can cause mouth sores and irritation. Dietary supplements and teas that contain feverfew are made from processed and/or dried plant parts, which do not irritate the mouth.

The FDA has not tested feverfew products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using feverfew?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if feverfew is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Allergies to Certain Plants.Feverfew is part of the Asteraceae (daisy) family of plants. People who have an allergy to other plants in this family may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to feverfew. Some examples of other common plants in the Asteraceae family include arnica, echinacea, chamomile, yarrow, ragweed, asters, and chrysanthemums. If you have an allergy to one of these plants, talk to your health care provider before using feverfew.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney or liver problems
• Upcoming surgery or medical procedure

Other Medicines and Supplements.Feverfew may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using feverfew, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy.There is some concern that feverfew may increase the risk of a miscarriage or cause early labor. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if feverfew passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does feverfew interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between feverfew and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect feverfew.

Does feverfew interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using feverfew.

• An antiplatelet medicine, such as aspirin/dipyridamole, cilostazol, clopidogrel (Plavix), or ticagrelor (Brilinta), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
• A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots

The interactions between feverfew and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with feverfew is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using feverfew with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much feverfew?

If you or someone else has used too much feverfew, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Feverfew is available in many different forms and doses. It may also be found in products with other ingredients. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use feverfew safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.