A member of the daisy family, feverfew has citrus-scented leaves and grows to 18 inches tall. Though it is effective in treating allergies, it is not recommended for those who are allergic to other members of the daisy family, including ragweed and chrysanthemums. It is also not recommended for pregnant women, as it may cause the uterus to contract. Feverfew is also known as bachelor’s buttons and featherfew.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Eastern Europe, Mexico, Central America, South America, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, parts of Newfoundland and Labrador, and all US states except North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Arizona, New Mexico
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, antitumor, anti-allergen,
and used to treat painful menstruation, difficult childbirth, asthma, dizziness, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, insect bites, infertility, toothache
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
Eating the leaves is advised for all conditions. They’re lovely in salads. To make an infusion, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon dried leaves. Steep for 5 to 8 minutes, and then strain. You may also use the flowers and stems in an infusion. For insect bites, rub the flower head on the affected area. For toothache, use the infusion as a gargle, or chew the flowers
and stems.
