Feverfew (Bachelor's Buttons, Altamisa)

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Chrysanthemum parthenium
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Bark
Dried flowers
Leaves
Chemicals this herb contains:
Parthenolide
Pyrethrins
Santamarin

KNOWN EFFECTS

Kills insects. Decreases thickness and increases fluidity of mucus from lungs and bronchial tubes. Stimulates uterine contractions.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Leaves: Treat menstrual disorders. Treat common cold. Treat indigestion and diarrhea. Stimulate appetite. Decrease edema. Make childbirth easier.

Dried flowers:
Treat intestinal parasites (worms). Start menstrual flow. Cause abortion. Stimulate appetite. Aids in expelling gas from intestinal tract. Treats migraine attacks.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are allergic to pyrethrins. Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Breast-feeding:
Dangers outweigh any possible benefits. Don't use.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
Feverfew has no proven usefulness. It may be dangerous.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Generally regarded as safe when taken in very small quantities
for short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity: See Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS