Motherwort – Healing Effects and Uses

Feverfew is commonly known by the botanical names Tanacetum parthenium and Chrysanthemum parthenium. Due to its great similarity to True Chamomile, this herbaceous plant is sometimes also described as False Chamomile.

The native range of the plant, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, lies in the eastern Mediterranean region – from Turkey and the Caucasus to the Czech Republic, but also in Portugal. Nowadays, feverfew also shapes the landscape in Central Europe – especially in cottage gardens it is frequently cultivated and spreads from there as a wild plant, as it easily naturalizes. Feverfew prefers clay soils rich in nutrients.

As a medicinal plant, feverfew has a long tradition, though today its healing effects are almost forgotten. Its use was already mentioned in antiquity.

The herb was used to induce labor and reduce childbirth pain. The German name alone refers to its use for pregnancy complaints. It is also said to promote the onset of menstruation and the detachment of the placenta. For this reason, feverfew is considered an abortifacient. Rheumatism and fever were also treated with the herb.

Today, researchers suspect that regular intake of feverfew can prevent migraines – although scientific proof is still pending. The medicinal plant is believed to prevent the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin from cells – this is the assumption. The herb also stimulates digestion and has a calming effect.

The migraine-preventing properties are attributed to parthenolide, which can make up to one percent of the herb. It is one of several sesquiterpene lactones found in feverfew. Other ingredients include essential oils, mainly represented by chrysantenyl acetate and camphor.

Feverfew grows up to 80 centimeters tall as a wild plant, sometimes only 30 centimeters. It emits its aromatic scent. The leaves are stalked and alternately arranged. The button-like flowers of feverfew closely resemble chamomile: white ray florets surround yellow tubular florets.

Because feverfew is an abortifacient, its use is not suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.