Feverfew, a perennial composite plant, Chrysanthemum partshenium (synonymous to Tanacetum parthenium), is part of the Asteraceae family. It is a native of the Old World, but it has been naturalized in North America. Many ornamental plants with aromatic leaves are part of the Chrysanthemum family, including garden mums, Shasta daisy and costmary.
Feverfew
A small bushy plant with button-like flowers, is quite common. The flowers look like daisies. The ray flowers, also known as petals, are white, and very short or stubby. The disc flowers’ center round is large and yellow. The composite flowers look almost like buttons. The blooming season is from late spring through late summer.
The lemon-scented leaves are alternate and pinnately complex. The five to nine leaflets are oval in shape with broad teeth. The entire plant is pungently fragrant and can grow to one or two feet in height. It can be found in gardens, in waste areas, along roads, and on railways as a garden escape.
Good to know
Feverfew is a chrysanthemum that naturally contains pyrethrum. This chemical is used commercially as pesticide. C. coccineum, a related plant, also contains this insecticide. The plant itself is called Pyrethrum. Garden mums are often not bothered by insects munching on their leaves. This is likely due to the presence chemicals that discourage them from eating the plants.
Feverfew can be planted in a garden near other plants that are vulnerable to insect damage, such as basil, to take advantage of its natural bug repellent properties. Feverfew is a good companion plant for garden plants that do not need to be pollinated as it will drive away bees. Alternately, boil a cup of dried flowers in hot soapy water for one hour. Spray plants that are susceptible to grazing insects with the solution in a spray bottle labeled. Wash any sprayed leaves or fruit that you intend to eat.
Did you know?
This herb has been used to treat many ailments, including stomach aches, fevers, anxiety, rheumatoid, rheumatoid, arthritis, anxiety, migraine headaches, and arthritis. The anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and vasodilative properties of the leaves and flowering heads have also been demonstrated.
Feverfew should not be taken by pregnant women as it can cause uterine contractions or miscarriage. The best use of feverfew is to treat migraine headaches. The fresh leaves are placed in gelatin capsules, or tucked into small pieces of bread to avoid contact with the upper digestive tract. Some people have suffered from mouth ulcers. Feverfew may be able to stop migraines that have not been treated with conventional methods. Migraine headaches can be prevented by using just one to four leaves.