Question 1

How does feverfew work to prevent migraines?

Accepted Answer

Feverfew's primary active compound, parthenolide, works by inhibiting serotonin release from platelets and preventing blood vessel constriction in the brain. Parthenolide also blocks nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), reducing inflammatory prostaglandin production. These combined actions help prevent the inflammatory cascade that triggers migraine headaches. Clinical evidence supports this mechanism, earning feverfew a Level B evidence rating for migraine prevention.

Question 2

Does feverfew interact with blood thinners or other medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, feverfew can interact with several medications. Because it inhibits platelet aggregation, feverfew should not be combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or NSAIDs, as this increases bleeding risk. Feverfew may also affect medications metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining feverfew with prescription medications.

Question 3

What is the recommended dosage of feverfew for migraine prevention?

Accepted Answer

For migraine prevention, the standard adult dosage is 50-100mg of dried feverfew leaf daily, or supplements standardized to provide 6.25mg of parthenolide daily. Consistency is important—feverfew must be taken regularly for at least 1-2 months to evaluate effectiveness. Avoid abrupt discontinuation, as this can cause rebound headaches. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing.

Question 4

Is feverfew safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

No, feverfew is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially causing miscarriage or premature labor. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use feverfew. Additionally, discontinue feverfew at least two weeks before scheduled surgery due to bleeding risks.

Question 5

What is feverfew used for besides migraines?

Accepted Answer

Feverfew has been used traditionally since ancient Greek times for fever reduction, headache treatment, arthritis relief, and menstrual pain. Modern research has primarily focused on migraine prevention, where clinical trials have shown promising results with a Level B evidence rating. Some preliminary research suggests potential anti-inflammatory benefits for arthritis, though evidence remains limited. Fresh leaves were historically chewed for headache relief.

Question 6

What are the side effects of taking feverfew?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset, bloating, and mouth ulcers—particularly when chewing fresh leaves. Allergic reactions can occur, especially in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Abrupt discontinuation after regular use may cause rebound headaches. Some users report temporary mouth tingling. Serious adverse effects are rare, but anyone experiencing allergic symptoms should discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Médicament	Sévérité	Description
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen)	Léger	La grande camomille peut avoir des effets antiplaquettaires additifs avec les AINS, augmentant potentiellement le risque de saignement.
Warfarin (Coumadin)	Modéré	La Grande camomille pourrait augmenter le risque de saignement lorsqu'elle est combinée avec la warfarine en raison de ses effets antiplaquettaires.

Feverfew

Sources et citations

White Willow

Devil's Claw

Butterbur

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

2 interactions médicamenteuses connues — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (2)

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Grossesse et allaitement

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales