"Feverfew - A Migraine Headache Sufferer's Best Friend!" Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used for centuries as a folk remedy treating conditions such as fevers, stomachaches, and insect bites.Migraine Headache Treatment It was rediscovered in the 1970s as a possible treatment for migraine headaches. The mechanism by which it prevents migraine headaches, could be its ability to limit the release of the hormone serotonin. Typically, just before the onset of a migraine, the blood platelets dump serotonin into the blood stream. Feverfew prevents this dumping of serotonin into the blood. Laboratory studies have shown it also stops white blood cells (WBCs) from absorbing an amino acid called thymidine. This limits the rate at which the WBCs can produce inflammatory cells called leukotrienes. In turn, this causes a reduction in the production of fatty acid products known as eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are essential for the production of inflammatory chemicals. One advantage this herb has over other treatments is it does not upset the stomach. It functions in a manner similar to the COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex, a prescription medicine.
Potential Cancer Treatment Parthenolide, the most important ingredient in this herb, has been found to be an effective treatment for Myeloid Leukemia at the stem-cell level. This is considered to be a major development, as current Cancer treatments cannot strike deep enough to kill malignant cancer cells. In laboratory experiments, researchers exposed human Leukemia stem cells to parthenolide and, in another solution, exposed them to the chemotherapy drug Cytarabine. Parthenolide was better then the prescription medicine at killing leukemia cells while simultaneously sparing the normal cells. Dosage Feverfew is available in several forms including capsules, tablets, and leaves. The recommended dosage is one to three 100 to 300 milligram capsules/tablets daily. These products are often standardized to contain no less than .2 percent of the compound parthenolide. Contraindications Feverfew is contraindicated in individuals that are allergic to other members of the Aster family. In also intensifies the effects of blood thinners such as Coumadin and Aspirin. Subscribe to the Home Remedies Blog by clicking on this link:
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