Feverfew is an effective treatment for migraine headaches. Feverfew grows widely across Europe and North America. The name Feverfew is from the latin word, febrifuga, meaning "to lower fevers". The genus name, Tanacetum, is derived from anthanasis, meaning "immortal", as the flowers are long lasting. Cultivated for centuries, Feverfew has been used, like aspirin, primarily as a pain buffer. Feverfew inhibits the formation of two natural chemicals found in the body, prostaglandin and serotonin. Feverfew contains niacin and iron plus vitamin A and vitamin C. Helping regulate normal body functions, Feverfew works with the body to help heal itself. Used to relieve severe headaches, migraines and reduce fevers by cooling the body, Feverfew also helps to ease a wide range of ailments. Reducing inflammation, Feverfew is used for relieving pain linked to arthritis and reducing painful menstruation. Other uses for Feverfew have been for inflammatory skin problems, asthma and stimulating the appetite. Feverfew contains a range of compounds known as sesquiterpene lactones. Over 85% of these are a compound called parthenolide. Parthenolide helps prevent excessive clumping of platelets and inhibits the release of certain chemicals, including serotonin and some inflammatory mediators. This may reduce the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine headaches and improve blood vessel tone. |
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Butterbur is a traditional herbal remedy employed around the world primarily for migraine prevention, and also for chronic cough or asthma conditions. During the Middle Ages, Butterbur was routinely used to treat plague and fever. The name of the genus Petasites is derived from the Greek word "petasos", a type of hat with a wide brim. In fact, the leaves are still used today as impromptu sunshades or umbrellas. The main active medicinal constituents of this botanical include petasin and isopetasin, both of which are believed to reduce smooth muscle spasms and have significant anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers theorize that these ingredients inhibit the production of leukotriene, a substance that inflames blood vessels. Without that inflammation, migraines are less likely. Butterbur also inhibits the production of histamine, keeping your nasal passages open and relieving allergic congestion. One recent study published in the British Medical Journal was a randomized controlled trial comparing Butterbur to the antihistamine cetrizine in patients with seasonal allergies. One hundred and twenty five patients from four outpatient clinics in Switzerland and Germany participated with 61 receiving Butterbur and 64 receiving cetrizine. After two weeks, the groups were comparable on measures such as physical and emotional functioning and physician assessment of the symptom severity and overall improvement.
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