Fewer known benefits of Feverfew

Well known for its ability to prevent headaches and migraine, feverfew is a herb that has  been widely used in herbal medicines for treating many ailments. It has been found to be an effective remedy for treating arthritis, fever, high blood pressure, colitis and many other health conditions.  It has a long history of being used in traditional medicine as well as folk medicine, especially in European and Greek herbal therapy. Although it is available in the capsule form, consuming fresh or dried leaves is considered to produce better results. Feverfew tea is one of the herbal teas that has been used for a long time as it provides a wide variety of health benefits. It also contains various active compounds in addition to many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Given below are some of the important benefits offered by feverfew:

Feverfew for migraine and headaches

According to research, feverfew may help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. Unlike other medications, this herb actually addresses the root cause of the pain and so it may even offer faster and effective results than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin. The pain relieving effects of feverfew can be attributed to the presence of certain active ingredients in it. These ingredients inhibit the release of serotonin and prostaglandins, two inflammatory amines that are thought to contribute to migraines. Feverfew prevents inflammation and the constriction of blood vessels that may cause headaches. Studies suggest that taking dried feverfew leaf capsules daily may reduce migraines in people suffering from  chronic migraine. It is important to take feverfew regularly in order to get the maximum benefits of this herb against migraines.

[Read more about 18 natural ways to treat migraine at home]

Feverfew eases menstrual cramps

Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea is a type of pain felt in the lower abdomen during the menstrual period of a woman. It is caused by the release of hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins during each menstrual period. These substances are associated with pain and inflammation. As mentioned before, feverfew has the ability to inhibit the release of prostaglandins, thereby acting as a great remedy for easing menstrual cramps. Taking feverfew during menstrual period is therefore recommended to get immense relief from menstrual cramps.

Feverfew provides relief from arthritis symptoms

For people suffering from arthritis, feverfew can bring amazing relief from the symptoms such as pain and inflammation. The active constituents of this herb inhibit the release of substances that can contribute to these symptoms. These ingredients in feverfew reduce inflammation by preventing blood platelets from producing inflammatory substances. They also reduce the release of prostaglandins, thus lowering pain and inflammation.

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Feverfew may fight cancer

In addition to analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, feverfew  has also been found to have anti-cancer effects. Parthenolide is an important ingredient in this herb and research suggests that this substance may play a major role in treating cancer. Studies have found that  parthenolide has the ability to inhibit the growth of various types of cancers such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. The mechanism of action of this herb is that it depletes glutathione in the cancer cells, causing cell death while leaving healthy cells unaffected. In vitro studies suggest that parthenolide  induces various activities that produces anti-proliferative effects.

Feverfew reduces anxiety and stress

Feverfew has been found to be effective in treating stress and anxiety. It calms the nerves of the mind and offers a calming sensation. Drinking a cup of warm feverfew tea before going to bed helps to calm your nerves and allows you have a better sleep. People suffering from chronic stress should consider taking feverfew on a regular basis.

[Read more about 50 home remedies for menstrual cramps]

Feverfew stimulates appetite

For people trying to gain weight, feverfew is a great remedy as it helps induce hunger by stimulating the activity of certain hormones. While this herb may not be ideal for those who are on a weight loss diet, it is definitely beneficial for those looking for natural ways to gain weight.

Feverfew improves respiratory health

Feverfew has calming and soothing properties, which is very helpful for treating respiratory problems. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects of this herb help in reducing inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, thus offering relief from conditions like cough and asthma. Feverfew relaxes the respiratory tracts and helps ease these symptoms as well as improve the overall health of the respiratory system.

[Read more about home remedies for allergies]

Feverfew promotes skin health

The anti-inflammatory nature of feverfew is highly beneficial for the skin as it helps redness and inflammation of the skin. Therefore, it is particularly effective in the treatment of skin problems like acne, pimples, sunburn and rosacea. The extract obtained from this herb has been found to have high concentrations of antioxidants, which help protect against free radicals that cause skin damage and early aging.

Feverfew prevents hair loss

In addition to providing skin benefits, feverfew also helps reduce and prevent hair loss. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herb play a key role in its ability to reduce hair fall. However, using feverfew directly on the scalp is not recommended as it may cause certain side effects. So the best option is to prepare feverfew tea and drink it regularly.

[Read more about natural food for hair loss]

Feverfew lowers blood pressure

In several studies that looked into the effectiveness of feverfew in providing relief from migraines, researchers noticed that there was a reduction in blood pressure as well in many patients. Feverfew has the ability to inhibit the production of prostaglandins that are responsible for increasing blood pressure by causing inflammation in the blood vessels. Thus by lowering blood pressure, feverfew offers protective effects on the heart and reduces the risks of heart attacks and strokes.

As you can see, the health benefits of feverfew are numerous. The benefits of this plant as a medicinal herb has been confirmed by various clinical trials and experiments, which has increased its popularity, leading to its cultivation in many parts of the world. People spend a lot of money on medications to get relief from migraines. Although these drugs may succeed in providing temporary relief from pain, their continuous use can sometimes be dangerous as they may cause severe side effects in the long run. Feverfew, on the other hand is natural, safe, inexpensive and also recommended by experts.

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