Names:

Tanacetum parthenium,

Description:

Feverfew is a weedy, bushy, aromatic, herbaceous perennial. Originally native Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia, and the Caucasus in Eurasia but has since been introduced throughout the world including Europe, North America, and Australia. Is typically used as a medicinal herb and an ornamental plant. Part of the Asteraceae family like yarrow, and ragweed. Medicinally this plant has been known to aid in reducing fevers, and ease migraines. Feverfew has also been used for centuries as an insect repellant and insecticide. The plants strong odor repels insects and the flower buds can be steeped and used as an insecticide. Other uses are hair conditioner to treat lice, and balms for insect bites.

Cultivation:

Feverfew likes to be in loose soil that is well fertilized. It can be propagated from seed, division, or by cutting. It prefers full sun to partial shade. To grow from seed sow directly in early spring and keep moist, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. The seeds are small so spread them thinly and just press them into the soil. To grow from cutting you need a healthy non-flowering stem that measures about 4-5 inches in length. Remove the bottom leaves and dip into rooting hormone and plant into a soilless growing medium. For division you need to gently dig up the mature lant keeping roots intact, then cut the root ball into sections and transplant into garden. Early spring or early autumn is the best time for division. For harvesting this depends on what you are harvesting. If you are looking to harvest leaves this can be done at any time. If trying to harvest the blooms its best to do this when they are fully bloomed in mid-summer. If harvesting for essential oils the oil are most potent when the flowers are starting to bloom

Light requirements:

Full Sun to part shade. (needs at least 5-6 hours of sunlight)

Soil requirements:

Loose well-draining soil

Watering:

Needs at least 1in of water per week. During drought periods water a few times a week.

Does NOT respond well to dry conditions

Harvest:

Best to harvest in the second year of plants life

Harvest flowers when fully opened around mid-July

Parts Used:

Aerial parts

Herbal Actions:

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, aperient, bitter, carminative, decongestant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, vermifuge

Energetics: Cooling and drying

Medicinal Uses:

For centuries, this herb has been used medicinally to help prevent migraines, reduce arthritis inflammation, help relieve menstrual cramps, aid in lowering fevers. Can be applied topically as an antiseptic and promote healing. Has been said to help topically to relieve toothaches. With anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties make this a good herb to be added to any herbal first aid.

Allies:

Other plants and herbs that repel pests

Marigolds, Basil, Chives, Mints, Thyme, borage, nasturtiums, and sweet alyssum.

Cautions:

No serious side effects have been reported though you should always consult a doctor before using any herbs especially if taking any prescribed medications to avoid interactions or allergic reactions.