Xela's Garden

Feverfew

Genus: Tanacetum.

Species: Tanacetum parthenium.

Soil: prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.
prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
requires dry or moist soil.

Position:sunny, cannot grow in the shade
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 30cm

Flower: July - Aug
The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Uses: Condiment; Tea.
The dried flowers are used as a flavouring in cooking certain pastries . The plant is used in cooking to impart a deliciously aromatic bitter taste to certain foods . A tea is made from the dried flowers[
.
Medicinal Uses
Antiecchymotic; Antiinflammatory; Antispasmodic; Aperient; Bitter; Carminative; Emmenagogue; Sedative; Stimulant; Stings; Stomachic; Vasodilator; Vermifuge.

Feverfew has gained a good reputation as a medicinal herb and extensive research since 1970 has proved it to be of special benefit in the treatment of certain types of migraine headaches and rheumatism .
It is also thought of as a herb for treating arthritis and rheumatism .
The leaves and flowering heads are anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aperient, bitter, carminative, emmenagogue, sedative, stimulant, stings, stomachic, vasodilator and vermifuge
]. The plant is gathered as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use .
Use with caution,
the fresh leaves can cause dermatitis and mouth ulcers if consumed
. This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women
tea made from the whole plant is used in the treatment of arthritis, colds, fevers etc. It is said to be sedative and to regulate menses ].
An infusion is used to bathe swollen feet ].
Applied externally as a tincture, the plant is used in the treatment of bruises etc .
Chewing 1 - 4 leaves per day has proven to be effective in the treatment of some migraine headaches
.
Other Uses
Essential; Repellent.

The dried flower buds are a source of an insecticide. They are said to have the same properties as pyrethrum (obtained mainly from T. cinerariifolia).
Steep 1 cupful of the dried flowers in one litre of hot soapy water for an hour. Strain, then allow to cool slightly before use . An essential oil from the plant is used in perfumery .

Leaves: Crushed
The leaves have a refreshing aromatic aroma.

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant