Feverfew – not Chamomile
I have confused Feverfew with Chamomile in the past, these plants are not the same. However, they look the same and (imo) SMELL very similarly. The easiest way to tell the difference between these Asteraceae family plants is to look a bit more closely at their leaves.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a perennial herb that prefers full sun, but isn’t too particular. I have some growing in shady spots in my yard. This ornamental buddy magically appears in my garden, year after year and she spread herself around. I’ve been known to dig this plant up to relocate her and that also works out pretty well. As I was doing my research, I came across the name Chrysanthemum parthenium and discovered this is the older scientific name for Feverfew – both are acceptable names.
Identifiers
As I mentioned, the leaves are a great way to identify Feverfew. The leaves are bushy, and spoiler alert – they are the medicinal part of this plant.
Flowers of Feverfew are delicate white petals with yellow centers, but look different at certain stages in the seasonal cycle. She blooms through the entire summer!
This plant can grow into a small bush. She is typically 1-2 feet in height. We have a spot, at the bottom of a drain spout that Feverfew loves, and a sizeable bush has posted up there.
Herbal Actions & Uses
First off, this herb is not a safe herb during pregnancy. It is an emmenagogue. Please consult a provider before you use this herb at all, but especially if you’re pregnant.
Feverfew is most famously known for preventing and treating migraines. It is a vasodilatory, so it increases circulation and can warm the body (carminative) to break up obstructions and congestion. I am not a person that is prone to migraines, thankfully, but this is an herb worth investigating if you are.
There are other ways this herb has been used historically, it can also be a digestive aid (bitter) and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Feverfew can also be a lovely way to deter insects from your yard. However, this cat-faced spider didn’t seem to mind sharing feverfew’s space.
Harvesting and Consuming
Leaves hold the power of this plant. The leaves of Feverfew are most potent just before the flowers bloom, however you can harvest them anytime while they are green. The can be made into a tincture, tea (warm infusion), powder (and encapsulated) or eaten fresh. Warning: the fresh leaves have been known to give some folks mouth ulcers, so heed caution. If you’re allergic to chrysanthemum, marigold or ragweed it is best to find or make a tincture or capsule.
I’m currently infusing some leaves to make an herbal oil. I’ll likely turn this oil into a soothing salve to have on hand for my family.
Meet Feverfew IRL
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational purposes only, please consult a professional if you are planning to use Feverfew, or any herb, medicinally.
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