Feverfew blooms are similar to blooms of single chrysanthemums.
Feverfew is a member of the sunflower family closely related to the chrysanthemum. It can be found growing in the wild or in gardens, where it makes an attractive plant in flower borders. According to the University of Maryland the name feverfew is derived from the Latin word febrifugia, which means "fever reducer," and is a traditional medicine for arthritis and fevers. Feverfew extract can be obtained by steeping leaves in water, or alternatively it can be purchased in capsule or tablet form from health shops.
Flowers
Feverfew has small flowers 1 to 2 inches across that bloom between July and October. They look similar to daisies or single chrysanthemums, with 10 to 20 white or yellow-tinted petals forming rays around bright yellow flat-topped flower heads. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the plants.
Leaves
Leaves alternate sides on the stem and are yellow-green in color and pungent. They are about 4 1/2 inches long and 2 inches wide, and are divided into leaflets that are in turn divided into smaller serrated leaflets. The leaves turn downwards, and if you look carefully you will find they are covered in short hairs. Dried feverfew leaves are used in traditional medicine but any part of the plant that grows above the ground can be used for medicinal purposes.
Growing Habitat
Feverfew is a perennial plant that grows 1 to 3 feet high and prefers well-drained soil in a sunny position. "Perennial" means that it dies back during winter but grows back again in spring. Native to southeastern Europe, feverfew is also known by its scientific name Tanacetum parthenium and grows in Europe, North American and Australia. It commonly grows in the wild in hedgerows but is also planted in gardens for ornamental purposes.
Propagation
Once established, it is not necessary to sow additional plants as feverfew self-seeds prolifically. To kick-start feverfew growing in your garden, it is best to sow seeds in February or March and thin seedlings out in June by planting them in their permanent positions with at least one foot between plants.
Migraine Relief
According to the University of Maryland, studies suggest that taking dried leaf capsules of feverfew can help reduce migraine attacks. Scientists believe feverfew helps reduce attacks because it contains parthenolide, an active compound that helps relieve smooth muscle spasms. Parthenolide prevents the constriction of blood vessels in the brain, which is one of the main causes of migraine headaches.
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