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How feverfew exactly helps in preventing migraines is also another mystery. Most likely, the parthenolides in feverfew are responsible. These substances can, among other things, inhibit the production of certain inflammatory compounds in the body. Like aspirin, parthenolides prevent blood platelets from clumping together. Feverfew is taken preventively. It is said to assuage and lessen the intensity of a migraine as well as the occurrence of symptoms associated with headaches, such as nausea and vomiting. However, once the migraine is underway, there is very little that feverfew can do to reduce the pain.
Action against Menstrual Cramps
Another important action of feverfew is to provide relief for menstrual cramps. Discomforts experienced by women during menstrual cycle are said to occur when the uterine lining produces too much prostaglandin, a hormone that can cause pain and inflammation. Feverfew can limit the amount of prostaglandin during menstruation and in this way, the herb plays a role in easing menstrual cramps.
Although there are only few research studies conducted on feverfew’s role in menstruation, there’s probably no harm in starting to take the herb a day before you anticipate that your menstrual cramps will begin.
Feverfew: Buying Tips
Feverfew comes in several forms, including tincture, tablet, fresh herb, dried herb/tea, and capsule. When you buy this herbal supplement, select your supplement brand with care. Make sure that the product you’re buying contains the critical ingredient, parthenolide. Check for Tanacetum parthenium in the label and the standardized 0.4% minimum of parthenolide.
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