Feverfew for Migraine: Benefits, Research & Risks

So you've tried a bunch of pills, lifestyle tweaks, and maybe even a weird eye mask, but the migraine monster still shows up uninvited? You're not alone. The short answer is: feverfew might trim a few attacks off your calendar, but it isn't a miracle cure. Below you'll find the lowdown on what the herb actually does, how solid the science is, and what you should watch out for before you start popping capsules.

Quick Answer

Bottomline

Clinical trials suggest feverfew can reduce migraine frequency by roughly 0.50.6 attacks per month on average. The effect is modest, and the evidence is strongest for a COextract formulation known as MIG99.

When to Consider It

If you prefer a natural preventive option, can tolerate mild stomach upset, and are looking for a supplemental edge rather than a replacement for prescription meds, feverfew is worth a trial.

Key Takeaway Table

What Is Feverfew

Botanical Overview

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) belongs to the daisy family. It's been used for centuries as a folk remedy for fevers, headaches, and even arthritis. The parts we care about for migraine are the dried leaves, which contain the active compound parthenolide.

Common Forms

When you go shopping, you'll usually see three formats:

How It Works

Parthenolide The Star Player

Parthenolide blocks prostaglandin synthesis (think inflammation), nudges serotonin release, and relaxes the blood vessels that often overreact during a migraine. In simple terms, it calms the fireworks inside your brain.

Other Helpful Compounds

Alongside parthenolide, feverfew contains chrysanthenyl acetate, melatonin, and flavonoids. They may add antiinflammatory or analgesic flair, but the research spotlight stays on parthenolide.

Visual Summary (optional for readers)

Imagine a tiny flowchart: Parthenolide Prostaglandins Vasodilation Migraine trigger. It's a neat way to picture the cascade.

Research Findings

Overview of the Evidence Base

Six doubleblind RCTs, totalling 561 participants, have examined feverfew for migraine. The studies differ in size (17218 people), formulation, and dosing, which makes pooling the data tricky.

HighQuality Trial

The 2005 study led by Dr. ElkeDiener (n=218) used the COextract MIG99. Participants took 6.25mg three times daily for 12weeks. Results: migraine attacks fell from 4.82.9 per month compared with placebo's 4.83.5 (a net reduction of 0.6 attacks). Responder rates (50% reduction) were 30% for feverfew vs. 17% for placebo. Cochrane review cites this trial as the strongest evidence.

Older Positive Studies

Johnson(1985), Murphy(1988), and Palevitch(1997) reported drops of 12 attacks per month, but each involved fewer than 80 participants and showed a higher risk of bias.

Neutral/Negative Studies

Later work by deWeerdt(1996) and Pfaffenrath(2002) found no statistically significant benefit. Their participants used the dried leaf powder, which may explain the weaker outcomes.

RiskofBias Snapshot

BottomLine Research Box

• Efficacy: Modest, statistically significant in one large trial; overall lowtomoderate confidence.
• Safety: No serious adverse events reported; mild gastrointestinal upset and occasional mouth ulcers are the most common complaints.

Effectiveness

What You Can Expect

Think of feverfew as a gentle nudger rather than a bulldozer. Most users notice a reduction of half an attack per month after 48 weeks of steady use. That may translate to feeling less "onedge" during a migraineprone week, which can be a huge qualityoflife boost.

Who Might Benefit Most

If you typically have 46 migraine days each month, are not keen on daily pharmaceuticals, and have no major stomach issues, feverfew could be a useful adjunct. It's less likely to help someone who already has very rare attacks or who needs a drastic drop in frequency.

Timeframe to Notice Change

Most trials report benefits after 48 weeks. Patience is keydon't toss the supplement after the first couple of days.

DecisionTree (quick guide)

1. Do you prefer a natural preventive? Yes continue.
2. Any history of ulcers, bleeding disorders, or aspirin allergy? No safe to try.
3. Take the chosen form consistently for 8 weeks. Track attacks. If you see a drop of 1 attack/month, keep going.

Dosage Guide

Typical Regimens

Tips for Better Absorption

• Take it with a small snack; an empty stomach can increase mouthulcer risk.
• Avoid chewing whole leaves they're rough on the oral mucosa.
• Start low (e.g., 50mg) and ramp up if tolerable.

Tracking Sheet (downloadable)

Creating a simple spreadsheet with columns for date, dose, number of attacks, intensity (010), and any sideeffects can turn guesswork into data. You'll thank yourself when you see a trend.

Safety & Side Effects

Common Adverse Events

Most people report nothing more than occasional stomach rumble or a mild ulcer on the tongue. These usually disappear once you lower the dose or take the supplement with food.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding data are sparse, so most clinicians advise against it.
• Bleeding disorders or regular use of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) theoretical risk of increased bleeding.
• Known allergy to Asteraceae family plants (chamomile, ragweed).

Drug Interactions

Feverfew can amplify the antiplatelet effect of aspirin and NSAIDs. If you're already on a bloodthinner, talk to your doctor before adding feverfew.

Safety Comparison Table

Expert Insight (suggested quote)

"Start with a low dose and monitor for mouth irritation; many patients find a sweet spot by week4," says Dr. Maya Patel, boardcertified neurologist, MD, PhD.

Other Natural Remedies

How Feverfew Stacks Up

When you're hunting for "natural migraine remedies," feverfew isn't the only player. Here's a quick snapshot against some popular alternatives.

Comparison Matrix

When to Combine?

Combining feverfew with butterbur or magnesium is possible, but always check with a healthcare professional firstespecially if you're already on prescription preventives. Overlapping GI sideeffects can become uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Bottom line: feverfew offers a modest, researchbacked reduction in migraine frequency, especially when you use the standardized COextract. It's generally safe, with only mild stomach or oral sideeffects, making it a reasonable option for people seeking a natural adjunct. However, it's not a silver bullet, and the overall confidence in the data is mixed. Before you add feverfew to your regimen, have a quick chat with your doctor, start low, track your attacks, and give it at least eight weeks to see if it makes a real difference.

Have you tried feverfew or another herbal remedy? What was your experience? Drop a comment below, share your story, or ask any lingering questionsyour voice helps us all navigate the migraine maze together.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.