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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
A traditional migraine-prevention herb; standardized stable extracts show the clearest, though still modest, benefit for reducing migraine frequency.
What the evidence says
Most Feverfew studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 1985–2016 with a typical study size of 72 participants.
Based on 12 studies · 2 meta-analyses · 5 RCTs · 72 total participants
Confidence
HighBy outcome
Feverfew has an evidence score of 6/10 — moderate evidence based on 13 indexed studies, including 2 meta-analyses. A traditional migraine-prevention herb; standardized stable extracts show the clearest, though still modest, benefit for reducing migraine frequency. Representative study: PMID 26887532.
The commonly studied dose of Feverfew is 100-300mg feverfew leaf/extract daily, standardized to ≥0.2-0.7% parthenolide (stable CO2 extract preferred). Individual needs vary — start at the lower end of the range and adjust based on how you respond.
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Last reviewed June 2026 · evidence from 12 studies · how we score
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a daisy-family herb traditionally used to prevent migraines. Its sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide is thought to reduce platelet serotonin release and inflammatory mediators involved in migraine. The clinical evidence is mixed: several randomized trials and reviews are positive, but a Cochrane review found the overall evidence inconsistent, largely because older trials used variable, non-standardized preparations. The strongest signal comes from a stable CO2 extract (MIG-99). It is used for prophylaxis (reducing attack frequency), not for aborting an acute migraine.
Parthenolide inhibits platelet serotonin release implicated in the neurovascular changes of migraine.
Inhibits NF-κB and pro-inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines).
May reduce abnormal vascular reactivity associated with migraine attacks.
100-300mg feverfew leaf/extract daily, standardized to ≥0.2-0.7% parthenolide (stable CO2 extract preferred)
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Standardized CO2 extract (parthenolide-standardized) | Recommended |
| 💊Dried leaf capsule | Alternative |
| 💊Fresh leaf | Alternative |
Choose a parthenolide-standardized stable extract; avoid chewing raw leaves.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 12 weeks
Cycling: Not required
Note: Daily preventive use; do not stop abruptly after long-term use.
Dose-response data unavailable. The current published research for Feverfew does not provide sufficient dose-specific outcome data to generate reliable dose-response curves.
Refer to the Dosage & Timing section above for recommended dose ranges based on available evidence.
Reduces migraine frequency with regular preventive use, most clearly with standardized extracts.
Reduces inflammatory mediators.
Chewing raw leaves can cause mouth ulcers or irritation; capsules avoid this.
Abruptly stopping after long-term use can cause rebound headaches, anxiety, and stiffness.
Avoid — may stimulate uterine contractions.
Avoid — cross-reactive allergy risk (Asteraceae family).
Use only with medical supervision — possible additive bleeding risk.
May inhibit platelet aggregation — possible additive bleeding risk.
Overlapping anti-inflammatory/antiplatelet effects.
Tip: Use capsules/extract instead of raw leaf
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Taper rather than stopping suddenly
Magnesium is independently used for migraine prophylaxis and is often combined with feverfew.
Complementary migraine-prevention support.
Riboflavin has migraine-prophylaxis evidence and is combined with feverfew in trials.
Layered, mechanism-diverse migraine prevention.
CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function relevant to migraine prophylaxis.
Broader preventive migraine stack.
The best time to take Feverfew is with meals. Taking it with food is preferred. Taken daily with food for migraine prophylaxis; consistent daily use is required for the preventive effect.
Feverfew should be used with caution — talk to a healthcare provider before taking it. The most commonly reported side effects are mouth ulcers (chewed leaf), GI upset, post-feverfew rebound (on abrupt stop). Use caution if any of these apply to you: Pregnancy (may stimulate uterine contractions); Allergy to Asteraceae/Compositae plants (ragweed, chamomile, daisies); Use with anticoagulants without supervision.
Potent anti-inflammatory resin extract with strong evidence for joint pain, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.