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Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew)
This herb still retains its name
from a legend in ancient Greece which told of a plant that saved
the life of a person who fell off the Parthenon, the famous
temple in Athens. Since ancient times Tanacetum parthenium has
been recommended by herbalists for head problems and PMS difficulties,
and is especially popular in England as a remedy against severe
headaches and migraines, as well as useful for those experiencing
joint pain and discomfort. With regular use of Feverfew, the
number of migraine headaches and the severity are reduced almost
instantly. Stress is the most common precipitating cause of
migraines.
An attack begins when smaller arteries near the center of the
brain constrict, or those located near the midbrain section
begin to cascade upwards into the higher brain centers themselves,
reducing the flow of blood. Apparently, the brain thinks that
the diminished flow is life-threatening and quickly dilates
the larger arteries near the surface of the brain, or the cerebral
cortex. The reaction is excessive and a migraine headache usually
begins.
Feverfew's active ingredients (specifically the parthenolides,
a sesquiterpene lactone) counteract the substances which permit
excessive blood flow (prostaglandins) which enlarges the arteries.
Feverfew is thought to inhibit some of the effects of prostaglandins
on smooth muscle, allowing a stabilization of cerebral blood
vessels, as well as blocking the actions of certain neurohumoral
transmitters and autocoids such as acetylcholine, noradrenaline
and bradykinin on smooth muscle as well. Yet double blind studies
now confirm that Feverfew's medicinal properties are not solely
attributable to parthenolides. Recent research (Lancet, Volume
350, November 1997, p.1598-1599) has shown that Feverfew also
contains substantial amounts of Melatonin (a potent hormone
of the central nervous system) both in the fresh and dried leaves.
Research also has demonstrated that lower circulating Melatonin
levels were found in those suffering from chronic migraine headaches
(in the article entitled "Nocturnal melatonin excretion is decreased
in patients with migraine without aura attacks associated with
menses," Claustrat et al., Cephalalgia, 1995; 15, 136-39). Some
caution should be used in the use of Melatonin, however. Because
of high Melatonin levels, long term use without the proper formula
can induce sensitivity to sunlight. Vaxa formulas compensate
for this fact and thus may be taken over the long term without
difficulty.
Recent research has indeed revealed the anti-inflammatory properties
of Feverfew. One such study (Heptinstall, et al., 1985) reported
that Feverfew had a more pronounced effect than that "obtained
with very high concentrations of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
agents." This is an herb which has for many years escaped the
attention of many, but because of recent scientific interest
is now being taken much more seriously.
Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) is an ingredient in the following product(s):
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BUFFER PH
pH Balancer
Price: $29.95
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| ATTEND STRATEGY PAC
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For Inattentiveness, Memory, and Stress
Price: $81.95
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PARASITIN
Parasite Cleanse
Price: $29.95
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CLEARIN
Acne & Blemishes
Price: $25.95
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