Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): Uses, Evidence and Safety

Safety first. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says feverfew should not be taken during pregnancy because it may affect uterine contractions, that it may slow blood clotting, and that it can cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to ragweed and related plants. [1] The European Medicines Agency (EMA) herbal committee does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. [2] Stopping feverfew after long use has been linked to withdrawal-type symptoms (see Safety below). [3] Migraine that is new, sudden, or different from your usual pattern needs a clinician, not a herb.

Overview

Feverfew is a perennial plant with leaves that look like chrysanthemum leaves and flowers that look like daisies. [1] It is promoted for migraine, minor pain such as tension headaches, and joint support. [1] This page covers the herb. For migraine in general see herbs for headache and migraine and riboflavin and migraine.

Names, plant part and look-alike traps

The accepted name is Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip., in the daisy family (Asteraceae). [4] Older names include Chrysanthemum parthenium and Matricaria parthenium. [1] NCCIH says European feverfew is different from American feverfew (Parthenium integrifolium), a plant native to the eastern United States. [1] The EU assessment covers the dried, powdered above-ground parts (the "herb"). [5] Because feverfew has leaves and flowers that resemble other plants, we give no identification advice; for any plant eaten by mistake, see plant and mushroom poisoning and call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US).

Traditional use (not proof)

NCCIH says people have traditionally used feverfew for respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, menstrual disorders, kidney and liver disease, tinnitus, earache, fever, infertility and anemia. [1] The EMA herbal committee (HMPC) accepted, on the basis of long-standing use, that feverfew herb preparations can be used for prevention of migraine after serious conditions have been excluded by a doctor. [5] The committee said this is based on traditional use, which means there is insufficient evidence from clinical trials. [5]

What research shows

"Prevention" here means fewer attacks across weeks to months, not stopping an attack in progress. The EMA summary says the medicines are usually taken for 2 months to have an effect, and advises seeing a doctor if migraines recur after that or symptoms worsen. [5]

Forms and why the form matters

Results from a stable, standardized extract do not transfer to leaves, teas or other products. NCCIH notes that the studies were small and used different sources and dosage levels of feverfew. [1] The EU monograph covers only the dried, powdered above-ground parts, usually taken by mouth as solid forms. [5] It states a daily range of 100 mg to 600 mg of powdered herb as an official statement for the EU registration, not advice to a reader; a clinician or pharmacist decides what is right for a person. [2] Chewing fresh leaves may cause mouth sores and irritation. [1] See herb forms and preparations.

Safety

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. NCCIH: do not take feverfew while pregnant because it may affect uterine contractions; little is known about breastfeeding. [1] The EU monograph says safety has not been established, animal studies showed signs of reproductive toxicity, and use is not recommended in pregnancy or lactation. [2] The only animal study cited used 839 mg/kg in pregnant rats and showed maternal toxicity and embryotoxicity; the monograph notes adequate studies have not been done. [2] See pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Bleeding and surgery. NCCIH says feverfew may slow blood clotting and should be stopped at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery. [1] Memorial Sloan Kettering says it may increase bleeding with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, though clinical relevance is not known. [3] Tell the surgical team and prescriber; see herbs and blood thinners and supplements before surgery.
• Allergy. Daisy-family (Asteraceae) allergy: the EU monograph lists hypersensitivity to feverfew or other Asteraceae plants as a contraindication. [2] NCCIH adds that skin contact may cause dermatitis. [1] See herbal allergy and cross-reactivity.
• Post-feverfew syndrome. Memorial Sloan Kettering lists muscle stiffness, anxiety, moderate pain, headache, nausea and vomiting after stopping feverfew following a long period of use. [3] The evidence for this comes from a clinical reference rather than controlled trials we read; ask a clinician before stopping long-term use.
• Medicines. The EU monograph lists interactions as none reported. [2] Memorial Sloan Kettering says lab studies show feverfew inhibits several liver enzymes (including CYP3A4), with clinical relevance not known, and NCCIH says it may interact with some medicines, including those used for migraine. [3][1] See how interactions work.
• Side effects. Nausea, digestive problems and bloating. [1] Cochrane found only mild, transient events, most often gastrointestinal complaints and mouth ulcers. [6] NCCIH says no serious side effects have been reported. [1]
• Children. The EU monograph does not recommend use under 18 because data are inadequate. [2] See children and teens.
• Liver, kidney, older adults. Not described in the sources we read.

Quality

Products differ in plant part, preparation and strength. Check the botanical name and part on the label. See quality testing and certifications and herb quality.

Official statements

• EMA, HMPC (EU), 2020: traditional herbal medicine for migraine prevention in adults after a doctor has excluded serious conditions; firm conclusions could not be drawn from the clinical studies. [5]
• NCCIH (US), updated February 2025: feverfew may help prevent migraine but results are mixed. [1]