 |
| |
Healthy Diet Plans >>
Dietary Supplements >>
Feverfew |
|
| |
|
FeverfewFeverfew is a short perennial plant with strong and bitter odor.
As the name indicates, feverfew is an herb that is used traditionally for fever treatment. In past people used to take advantage of the nutrients from feverfew leaves by chewing it in the style of tobacco, but this could cause mouth and stomach irritation. Now a days feverfew leaves are dried and consumed in the form of tablets, capsules or extracts.
Vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and niacin are the major nutrients present in the plant.
Health and feverfew- Feverfew when taken orally may help in the treatment of migraine attacks. The combination of nutrients present in feverfew helps to inhibit the release of serotonin and prostaglandin which are considered inflammatory substances believed in the onset of a migraine attack.
Feverfew may act by reducing inflammation and preventing blood vessel constriction that may lead to headaches. However feverfew doesn’t seem to have any effects on already started migraine attacks. More high quality human studies need to be conducted in this area to prescribe feverfew supplements as a migraine cure. - Although feverfew may have anti-inflammatory properties, it is not clear that feverfew can reduce the symptoms such as joint stiffness or pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Traditionally based on scientific theories feverfew is also used for abdominal pain, anemia, asthma, breast cancer, central nervous system diseases, cold, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, digestion, insect bites/repellent, menstrual cramps, promotion of menstruation, skin cancer, tooth ache and uterine disorders. However for safe and effective use of feverfew, more conclusive human studies should be conducted.
Side effects of feverfew- The side effects of feverfew plant are mild and generally reversible.
- Mouth ulcer side effects including inflammation, swelling of lips, bleeding of the gums, tongue irritation and loss of taste have been reported with feverfew leaves ingestion orally.
- Indigestion, flatulence, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, heart burn and abnormal bloating have also been reported.
- Skin irritation may occur with frequent contact with the feverfew plant (generally occurs in gardeners).
- Withdrawal symptoms like rebound headaches, anxiety, insomnia, join pain and muscle stiffness may occur when the ingestion is stopped suddenly after long term consumption.
- Feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding by affecting the blood platelets. Thus patients with bleeding disorders or on medications or herbal supplementation for the same should use feverfew with caution.
- Feverfew is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation as it may stimulate menstrual flow and induce abortion.
For better safety and effectiveness of feverfew, it is advisable to ingest feverfew in recommended doses under the guidance of a health care professional.
|
|
|
|
| |
-
Iron deficiency | Anemia Diet
There are many types of anemia, but the most common cause for anemia is iron deficiency. In turn iron deficiency can be caused due to chronic blood...
-
Omega 3 Fatty Acid Helps Protect Heart
Omega-3 fatty acids belong to the family of polyunsaturated fats. A fatty acid molecule has a methyl group at one end and carboxylic acid at the...
-
Jaggery Milk Clarified Butter Honey Choose
Make Healthy Choice Between Honey And Jaggery - Know What Is Good For You?
Jaggery, an unrefined whole sugar, is rich in many minerals,...
-
Supplements | Vitamins
Common misconceptions about vitamins exist, in addition to their therapeutic effects. They are not drugs and fail to cure any condition or...
-
Harmful Effects Caffeine
Caffeine’s effects are desired by all, but when consumed in excess it can be harmful to the body. Caffeine helps to eliminate the tired foggy...
More..
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
