Feverfew by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Feverfew
2. Folk Name(s): Featherfew, Midsummer Daisy, Medieval Aspirin, Bride’s Button
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Tanacetum parthenium
4. Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
5. Plant Type: Perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Feverfew grows 1–2 feet tall, with light green, pinnate leaves that have a strong, bitter aroma. It produces small daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and white rays, blooming in summer.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA zones 5–9; prefers temperate climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Thrives in zones 5–8 with moderate winters and warm summers.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to southeastern Europe and the Balkans; now naturalized across Europe, North America, and temperate regions worldwide.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Well-drained soil; prefers loamy to sandy soils. Full sun is best, though it tolerates partial shade.
2. Propagation: By seed (sown in spring or fall), cuttings, or root division. Self-seeds easily.
3. Companion Planting: Works well near roses and other perennials; its pungent aroma can deter insects.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Harvest leaves before flowering for medicinal use; flowers may also be gathered when fully open.
5. Drying/Preservation: Dry leaves and flowers quickly in a dark, airy place; store in airtight containers away from light.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Used since ancient Greece as a fever-reducing herb; mentioned by Dioscorides and other early physicians. A common “household remedy” herb throughout medieval Europe.
2. Traditional Medicine: Historically used for fevers, headaches, stomach troubles, and menstrual irregularities. Most famously recognized as a preventative remedy for migraines.
3. Symbolism: Associated with protection and health; often planted in cottage gardens for warding illness and evil.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Parthenolide (primary), sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, volatile oils.
2. Medicinal Uses: Prevents migraines, reduces inflammation, supports menstrual balance, eases arthritis pain, reduces fevers and digestive upset.
3. Preparation Methods: Fresh or dried leaf in teas, tinctures, or capsules. Traditionally chewed fresh (though bitter).
4. Dosage & Guidelines: 50–150 mg of standardized leaf extract daily; or 1–3 fresh leaves daily (though chewing may cause mouth irritation).
5. Safety/Precautions: Not for use during pregnancy (uterine stimulant). May cause mouth sores if chewed fresh. Possible allergic reactions in those sensitive to Asteraceae family. Can interact with blood-thinning medications.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Air
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Venus, Mercury (some traditions); associated with healing goddesses such as Hygeia and Brigid.
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, purification, healing, preventing illness, calming the mind.
4. Ritual Use: Burned in incense or placed in charm bags for protection; added to healing baths and teas (with caution). Planted near homes as a guardian herb.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: May indicate the need for healing, rest, or warding off negativity. Dreams of feverfew can signify recovery or resilience.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Attracts bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects with its daisy-like flowers.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar and habitat for pollinators; foliage deters some insect pests.
3. Culinary Uses: Traditionally chewed fresh for medicine, but not generally considered a culinary herb due to bitterness.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Insect deterrent; protective herb in gardens and home charms.
2. Notable Traits: Strong, bitter scent; naturalized easily; medicinally notable for migraine prevention.
3. Special Notes: Its name derives from Latin febrifugia—“fever reducer.”

Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine.
3. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal.
4. Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism.
5. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy.
6. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).