Relief for Aching Heads

[QuilterMom]

http://www.publix.com/wellness/green...2&childId=1252

Relief for Aching Heads

Among its accolades, feverfew lessens the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. Formerly dubbed featherfew or bachelor's buttons, this mighty herb was renamed in honor of what it does: reduce fever. And it does even more. Recognized also as a preventive remedy for migraines and chronic inflammation, feverfew is a centuries-old treatment for menstrual problems, dizziness, and nausea.
A daisylike plant with white pom-pom blooms, feverfew was native to southwest Europe and is now cultivated commercially in Japan, Africa, and the United States. The leaves and flowers are dried and condensed as a tea, in capsules, and as infusion. Most doses range from 50 to 100 milligrams of dried-leaf preparations.

Veronika Butterweck, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida in Gainesville, says there is good clinical research that shows feverfew is an excellent preventive medication for migraines. It works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory serotonin and prostaglandins and, Butterweck says, works as well as conventional medicines. However, Butterweck warns it's important not to exceed recommended dosages. Those who do so are likely to experience what is known as post-feverfew syndrome after they stop taking it, which produces anxiety, headaches, and other side effects.

Dr. Andrew Weil, a clinical professor of medicine and professor at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine, suggests using feverfew regularly as a preventive measure to lessen the severity and frequency of migraines or to treat rheumatoid arthritis. "It's safe to take feverfew indefinitely," Weil says.

Pregnant women should avoid this herb because it causes bleeding and possibly miscarriage. Children, lactating women, and those with allergies to ragweed or flowers in the chrysanthemum family should also avoid feverfew.

Recent studies suggest feverfew as an effective treatment for some forms of leukemia and other cancers, but more research is needed to determine the extent.

[baxjul]

Feverfew does seem to work well! Thanks, Kim!