Common name: Feverfew, Featherfew, Featherfoil, Febrifuge plant, Midsummer daisy, Nosebleed, Wild chamomile, Wild quinine
Botanical name: Tanacetum parthenium Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family) Synonyms: Chrysantheim parthenium, Pyrethrum parthenium
Feverfew is a traditional medicinal herb which is found in many old
gardens, and is also occasionally grown for ornament, which are then used
in Christmas trees. Feverfew is herbaceous and perennial plant. The plant
grows into a small bush up to around 18 inches high, with citrus-scented
leaves and is covered by flowers reminiscent of daisies. It spreads
rapidly, and they will cover a wide area after a few years. Leaves are
ovate, pinnately cut, basal, hairy and up to 3 inches long, with 3 to 5
scalloped sections. Daisy-like flowerheads with white ray and yellowish disc florets to 1 inch across are held in dense corymbs. Various cultivars have been developed for ornamental purposes.
Medicinal uses: Feverfew has been used for reducing fever, for
treating headaches, arthritis and digestive problems. It is hypothesised
that by inhibiting the release of serotonin and prostaglandins, both of
which are believed to aid the onset of migraines, feverfew limits the
inflammation of blood vessels in the head.
| Photographed in Ukhrul, Manipur. |
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