Family: Compositae
Genus: Tanacetum
Species: parthenium
(i) General background on the plant
A perennial strongly aromatic herb. The plant has an erect downy stem 25-60 cm high. Leaves are 2.5-8 cm, yellowish-green and downy. Lower leaves are long stalked, ovate in outline, with toothed or lobed segments. Upper leaves are shorter-stalked and less divided. Flowers are numerous with daisy-like heads.
A native of SE Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus, but now established throughout Europe, also common in Australia and north America. A frequent plant of walls, waste places, hedgerows throughout Europe.
(ii) Details of quality characters
A bitter, tonic, cooking herb with a pungent odour.
The key active constituents are volatile oil (alpha-pinene), sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide) and sesquiterpenes (camphor). Of these parthenolide is the predominant one, constituting about 84% w/w of the total sesquiterpone fraction.
Feverfew has been demonstrated to be an effective remedy for migraine. However despite extensive research the exact nature of its action is not yet understood but the constituent parthenolide appears to inhibit the release of the hormone serotonin (a vasoconstrictor) which is thought to trigger migraine.
It is also being investigated for its effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
(iii) Current production and yields
In UK at present there are less than 30 hectares. EU hectareage unknown.
(iv) Constraints on production
As feverfew is 85 - 90% water, the crop must be dried or processed rapidly once harvested to prevent degradation of the harvested herb. Precautions must be taken to ensure that the harvested herb is not allowed to heat up prior to drying or processing. The nature of the crop therefore dictates that processing facilities are either on-site or very close to point of production.
(v) Markets and market potential
Feverfew has been know by herbalists for centuries. However, its ability to soothe headaches was not given much attention until the 1970s when it was investigated scientifically. Dr S Johnson undertook a long-term survey of some 270 feverfew takers. The results showed that after a leaf a day for three months, 70 per cent reported a significant decrease in frequency or severity of their attacks. A third appeared to have abolished their attacks altogether. These results were confirmed by a double-blind trial on a smaller sample of patients, using measured quantities of dried leaf made up into capsules. (Johnson et al, 1985). Feverfew is also used to reduce fevers, for gynaecological problems, and to help arthritic and rheumatic pain, especially in combination with other herbs.
An infusion of the leaves is a mild disinfectant, and the leaves in a sachet can make a good moth repellent.
The young leaves of feverfew can be added to salads.
(vi) Other Information
Feverfew can be propagated from seed or cuttings and prefers well-drained soil and sun. The leaves are picked as required and the aerial parts as a whole are harvested in summer when the plant is in flower.
(vii) Contacts
Valerie Chaffey, Orchard Herbs, Sowbath Farm, Shawbury, Nr.
Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4ES, UK. Owners M.J. & S.
Griffiths. Tel: 01939 250064, Fax: 01939 251405
Specialists in organic production of feverfew. Fully controlled
continuous production process. All produce dried and milled by
Orchard Herbs.
(viii) References
Johnson, E G et al, 1985 ‘Efficacy of feverfew as prophylactic treatment of migraine’ in British Medical Journal, 31 August 1985.
Mabey, R 1995 Flora Britannica, Sinclair-Stevenson, London