Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has a long tradition of use in folk medicine, especially among early European herbalists. Since ancient times Feverfew has been prescribed for the treatment of a wide range of disorders, however it is most famous for its use in the prevention and treatment of migraines and headaches. The available scientific data investigating the clinical use of Feverfew in the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches is promising. It is not yet clear exactly how Feverfew works in the prevention of migraines, however current mechanistic data suggests that Feverfew is able to exert its prophylactic effects partially via decreasing vascular smooth muscle spasm, inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, and inhibiting the secretion of platelet granules as well as potentially inhibiting serotonin release and binding. Feverfew may also have application as an effective cancer treatment adjunct and in certain inflammatory disorders (e.g. autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis).
