Feverfew is a perennial in the daisy family originally native to
Europe but now naturalized and cultivated throughout the world,
including much of North America. Because feverfew is commonly grown in
kitchen herb gardens and as an ornamental, its prolific appearance
across the natural landscape demonstrates the ease with which it can
escape cultivation unless confined.
The herb’s common name is adapted from the Latin febrifugia, which means
“fever reducer.” Due to a type of terpene called parthenolide, feverfew
is primarily viewed today as a prophylaxis of chronic migraine. Be
aware, however, that suddenly ceasing the intake of this herb after
long-term use often results in a rebound effect that produces symptoms
worse than before.
