Feverfew herb and Feverfew liquid

Feverfew was probably a native of south east Europe and spread via the Mediterranean to many parts of the world, including Britain and North America. It is an attractive and robust, vigorous plant, and is found growing in the wild on dry, well-drained soils. Its common name suggests that the herb was used in the treatment of fevers. It is said to be derived from the Latin 'febrifugia', meaning a substance that drives out fevers. The old herbalists even call it a febrifuge. However, strange as it may seem, the herb was hardly ever employed for the purpose. Gerard, the Elizabethan herbalist, advised use of the dried plant for 'those that are giddied in the head or have vertigo'. In the 17th century Culpeper advised its use for pains in the head and colds. In the late 18th century it was considered a special remedy for a body racked by too much opium. Nowadays it is used in the treatment of migraines.

Species

Tanacetum parthenium (Chrysanthemum parthenium)

Feverfew

Hardy perennial. Ht 60cm- 1.2m (2-4ft), spread 45cm (18in). White daisy-like flowers from early summer to early autumn. The leaf is mid-green, and a typical chrysanthemum shape.

Tanacetum parthenium 'White Bonnet'

Double-Flowered Feverfew

Hardy perennial. Ht 30cm (12in), spread 45cm (18in). Double white flowers, otherwise as T. parthenium.

Tanacetum parthenium 'Aureum'

Cultivation

Golden feverfew

Hardy perennial. Ht and spread 20-45cm (8-18in). Gold green leaves that remain colorful all year. Otherwise as T. parthenium. Growth and color make Golden Feverfew popular as an edging plant in formal herb gardens and as a partier filling. Particularly conspicuous in winter.

Propagation

Seeds

Fine, thin and fairly small, they tend to stick together especially if they get damp. Mix a very small amount of seed with an equally small amount of Perlite or dry sand to make sowing easier. Sow very thinly in spring or early autumn, directly into pots or plug trays. Cover with a final thin layer of Perlite. Germination is usually very rapid, 7-10 days. No need for extra heat. Plant out 30cm (12in) apart, as soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle and hardened off. If sown in autumn, the young plants will need to be wintered under protection.

Division

Dig up established clumps in early autumn. Ease the plants apart, and either replant directly in the positions required or pot up in a standard pot or fancy container for flowers in late spring. Winter in a cold greenhouse or cold frame. Use the bark, peat compost.

Cuttings

Take stem cuttings in the summer, making sure! There are no flowers on the cutting material.

Pests and Diseases

Unaffected by the majority of pests and diseases, golden feverfew can suffer from sun scorch; if this occurs cut back and the new growth will be unaffected.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seeds.

Summer: As flowering finishes cut plant back to restore shape, and remove all flowering heads to minimize self-seeding.

Autumn: Divide established clumps. This is the best time for sowing if edging plants are required. Winter young plants in a cold frame.

Winter: No need to protect, fully frost hardy.

Garden cultivation

Feverfew, while tolerant by nature, is an invasive plant, so choose the site with care. It will grow anywhere, in nooks or crannies, but likes best a loam soil enriched with good manure in a sunny position. Seeds can be sown direct into a prepared site in late spring. When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin to 30cm (12in) apart.

Harvest

Pick leaves before the plant flowers; dry if required for use medicinally. Pick the flowers just as they open; dry hanging upside down.

Container growing

Grown indoors, the plants get stretched and leggy. However, in containers outside all the feverfews flourish. Golden Feverfew, having the most compact habit, looks very effective in a hanging basket, tub or window-box. Use the bark, peat mix of compost. Keep the plants regularly watered and feed during flowering, Cut back plants after flowering as this will help maintain their shape.

Culinary

The young leaves of feverfew can be added to salads, but be warned they are very bitter so add sparingly.

Medicinal

That feverfew has a propensity to overcome melancholy has been known by herbalists for centuries. However, its ability to soothe headaches was not given much attention until the 1970s when it was thoroughly investigated scientifically, following claims that it reduced migraines. Many clinical trials were held and results, over a six-month period, showed a 70 per cent reduction in migraines, and 43 per cent of the patients felt other beneficial side-effects, including more restful sleep and relief from arthritis. 18 per cent had unpleasant side effects. Golden and double-flowered forms have not been tested, though experience suggests that they will react similarly. Eat 3 to 5 fresh leaves between a slice of bread every day to reduce migraines. As mentioned before, this is very bitter, so put the leaves in a sandwich (brown bread, of course). To make it more palatable, you could add a sprig of mint, marjoram or parsley. Do NOT eat more.

Other uses

A decoction or infusion of the leaves is a mild disinfectant, and the leaves in sachets make a good moth repellent.