Feverfew Herbarium
Latin Name: Chrysanthemum parthenium (formerly); Tanacetum parthenium (currently)
Family: Asteraceae
Descriptive Characteristics: Chevallier (2016) says this perennial can grow to 2 feet in height and has daisy-like flowers (p. 140). Heinerman (1997) says this plant is yellow-green, the stems are ridged, the leaves are either pinnate or bipinnate. The flowers are corymb (p. 234).
Part of the plant used: Leaves and flowers. Chevallier (2016) says aerial parts (p. 140).
Texture:
Color:
Aroma: strong
Flavor: bitter
Constituents: Petersen (2018) says parthenoslide (p. 175). On page 177, she mentions essential oil which contains camphor, terpene, borneol, esters pyrethrins which are bitter, and santamarin which is a compound. Hoffman (2003) says sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide, articanin, santamiarin), onoterpenes, sesquiterpenes (thujone, sabinene, camphor, 1,8-cineole, umbellulone), flavonoids (apigenin, diosmetin, quercetin, jaceidin, jaceosidin). Balch (2010) says beta-carotene, parthenolide, santamarin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C (p. 112). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (alpha-pinene), sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide), and sesquiterpene (camphor) (p. 140).
Therapeutic Actions: Antiseptic, aperient, bitter, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge (Petersen, 2018, p. 177). Hoffman (2003) says anti-inflammatory, vascodilator, emmenagogue, and bitter (p. 587). Balch (2010) says anti-inflammatory (p. 112). Chevallier (2016) says anti-inflammatory, analgesic, reduces fever, antirheumatic, and promotes menstrual flow (p. 140).
Indications: effective with issues relating to the uterus and ovaries, amenorrhea, asthma, chest complaints, coughs, depression, diarrhea, difficult labor, menstrual problems, migraine prevention, miscarriage prevention, nausea, nerve pains, nervousness, psoriasis, retention of placenta, toothache, tinnitus, vertigo, vomiting, worms, relives migraines (Petersen, 2018, p. 177-8). She adds on page 179 2-5 leaves can be added to a salad daily or on a sandwich for PMS tension or migraines. Hoffman (2003) says migraines, inflammatory arthritis, dizziness, tinnitus, menstrual pain, sluggish flow, “inhibits histamine secretion; inhibits arrogation, granular secretion, and arachi-donate-mediated responses; exerts cytotoxic action; inhibits 5-hydroxytryptamine-mediated contractile responses; and inhibits vascular smooth muscle contractibility (p. 587). Balch (2010) says liquidates lung and bronchial mucus fluidity, promotes menses, stimulates appetite and uterine contractions, arthritis, fever, colitis, headaches, migraines, menstrual issues, muscle tension and pain (p. 112). Chevallier (2016) says migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, fevers, menstruation, and headaches (p. 140).
Formulary:
Petersen (2018, p. 176)
Chest complaints: Use decoction.
Coughs: Use decoction.
Earache: Use cold infusion.
Insect bites: Apply tincture externally.
Menstrual problems: Use cool infusion frequently.
Migraines: Chew leaves, use decoction or take capsules/tablets.
Nerve pains: Use an infusion using the fresh plant.
Painful joints: Use a poultice from fresh leaves.
Protection for insects: 2t of tincture to ½ pint of cold water or oil. Apply to skin.
Toothache: Chew the leaves.
Worms: Infusion with dried flowers.
Tincture: 1 ounce of dried leaves or 2 ounces of fresh leaves, 1 pint vodka or cider vinegar. Powder the dried herb or cut the fresh herb and place in wide-mouthed jar. Cover with alcohol, put the lid on tight. Shake then place in warm place for 2 weeks, shake twice daily. Strain through muslin or coffee filter. Store in amber or blue bottle and cap tightly. Always store in cool place. Use ½ - 1t, 3/day.
Griffin (1997)
Toothaches and “aspirin” (p. 108)
Repel insects (p. 119)
Caked breasts (p. 133)
Chewing insects (p. 269)
Gladstar (2012)
Lavender-Feverfew Migraine Tincture (p. 154)
Headache Tincture (p. 186)
Kennedy (2007)
Feverfew-Peppermint Tincture (p. 34): Open airways during allergy attack.
Feverfew Tincture (p. 86): Stress/anxiety, body aches, headaches.
Feverfew Syrup (p. 88): Gentle enough for children
Feverfew-Hops Tea (p. 100): headache relief that induces relaxing and sleep
Licorice-Feverfew Mask (p. 149): anti-inflammatory, deep hydration.
Chevallier (2016)
Migraine Prevention (p. 309)
Heinerman (1997)
Migraine (p. 234-236)
Dosage:
Petersen (2018, p. 176)
Decoction: 2-4T, 3 /day
Infusion: 4-6T, 3 /day
Fluid extract: 1-2T, 3 /day
Tincture: 1-2t, 3 /day
Poultice: as required
Hoffman (2003, p. 587)
1 fresh leaf 1-3/day
Leaf/flower extract: 25-125 mg/day. May go to 2g for acute pain
Freeze-dried leaf: 50-100 mg/day
Tincture:
Tablets:
Chevallier (2016)
Fresh leaves: 2-3 leaves, eaten, for migraine prevention
Tincture: 10 drops daily, long-term migraine prevention
Capsules: 100mg/day for headaches
Tablets: for headaches
Safety: Petersen (2018) says there are no issues (p. 178). Hoffman (2003) says there is potential for allergic reaction. If susceptible, ulcers may form in the mouth. This is a uterine stimulant so don’t use during pregnancy. Do not use with anti-coagulant drugs (p. 587). Clark (2011) says not to use in children under two due to allergy potential (p. 61). Dr. Kidd (2000) says it’s safe in cats at the appropriate dosage (p. 54, 57).
Lab, Notes And Media:
On 29 April 2019, I started 28g of herb with 50% alcohol. This means my menstruum was 140ml. On 8 June 2019, I strained this for a yield of 70 ml.
Family: Asteraceae
Descriptive Characteristics: Chevallier (2016) says this perennial can grow to 2 feet in height and has daisy-like flowers (p. 140). Heinerman (1997) says this plant is yellow-green, the stems are ridged, the leaves are either pinnate or bipinnate. The flowers are corymb (p. 234).
Part of the plant used: Leaves and flowers. Chevallier (2016) says aerial parts (p. 140).
Texture:
Color:
Aroma: strong
Flavor: bitter
Constituents: Petersen (2018) says parthenoslide (p. 175). On page 177, she mentions essential oil which contains camphor, terpene, borneol, esters pyrethrins which are bitter, and santamarin which is a compound. Hoffman (2003) says sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide, articanin, santamiarin), onoterpenes, sesquiterpenes (thujone, sabinene, camphor, 1,8-cineole, umbellulone), flavonoids (apigenin, diosmetin, quercetin, jaceidin, jaceosidin). Balch (2010) says beta-carotene, parthenolide, santamarin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C (p. 112). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (alpha-pinene), sesquiterpene lactones (parthenolide), and sesquiterpene (camphor) (p. 140).
Therapeutic Actions: Antiseptic, aperient, bitter, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, insecticide, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, vermifuge (Petersen, 2018, p. 177). Hoffman (2003) says anti-inflammatory, vascodilator, emmenagogue, and bitter (p. 587). Balch (2010) says anti-inflammatory (p. 112). Chevallier (2016) says anti-inflammatory, analgesic, reduces fever, antirheumatic, and promotes menstrual flow (p. 140).
Indications: effective with issues relating to the uterus and ovaries, amenorrhea, asthma, chest complaints, coughs, depression, diarrhea, difficult labor, menstrual problems, migraine prevention, miscarriage prevention, nausea, nerve pains, nervousness, psoriasis, retention of placenta, toothache, tinnitus, vertigo, vomiting, worms, relives migraines (Petersen, 2018, p. 177-8). She adds on page 179 2-5 leaves can be added to a salad daily or on a sandwich for PMS tension or migraines. Hoffman (2003) says migraines, inflammatory arthritis, dizziness, tinnitus, menstrual pain, sluggish flow, “inhibits histamine secretion; inhibits arrogation, granular secretion, and arachi-donate-mediated responses; exerts cytotoxic action; inhibits 5-hydroxytryptamine-mediated contractile responses; and inhibits vascular smooth muscle contractibility (p. 587). Balch (2010) says liquidates lung and bronchial mucus fluidity, promotes menses, stimulates appetite and uterine contractions, arthritis, fever, colitis, headaches, migraines, menstrual issues, muscle tension and pain (p. 112). Chevallier (2016) says migraine, rheumatoid arthritis, fevers, menstruation, and headaches (p. 140).
Formulary:
Petersen (2018, p. 176)
Chest complaints: Use decoction.
Coughs: Use decoction.
Earache: Use cold infusion.
Insect bites: Apply tincture externally.
Menstrual problems: Use cool infusion frequently.
Migraines: Chew leaves, use decoction or take capsules/tablets.
Nerve pains: Use an infusion using the fresh plant.
Painful joints: Use a poultice from fresh leaves.
Protection for insects: 2t of tincture to ½ pint of cold water or oil. Apply to skin.
Toothache: Chew the leaves.
Worms: Infusion with dried flowers.
Tincture: 1 ounce of dried leaves or 2 ounces of fresh leaves, 1 pint vodka or cider vinegar. Powder the dried herb or cut the fresh herb and place in wide-mouthed jar. Cover with alcohol, put the lid on tight. Shake then place in warm place for 2 weeks, shake twice daily. Strain through muslin or coffee filter. Store in amber or blue bottle and cap tightly. Always store in cool place. Use ½ - 1t, 3/day.
Griffin (1997)
Toothaches and “aspirin” (p. 108)
Repel insects (p. 119)
Caked breasts (p. 133)
Chewing insects (p. 269)
Gladstar (2012)
Lavender-Feverfew Migraine Tincture (p. 154)
Headache Tincture (p. 186)
Kennedy (2007)
Feverfew-Peppermint Tincture (p. 34): Open airways during allergy attack.
Feverfew Tincture (p. 86): Stress/anxiety, body aches, headaches.
Feverfew Syrup (p. 88): Gentle enough for children
Feverfew-Hops Tea (p. 100): headache relief that induces relaxing and sleep
Licorice-Feverfew Mask (p. 149): anti-inflammatory, deep hydration.
Chevallier (2016)
Migraine Prevention (p. 309)
Heinerman (1997)
Migraine (p. 234-236)
Dosage:
Petersen (2018, p. 176)
Decoction: 2-4T, 3 /day
Infusion: 4-6T, 3 /day
Fluid extract: 1-2T, 3 /day
Tincture: 1-2t, 3 /day
Poultice: as required
Hoffman (2003, p. 587)
1 fresh leaf 1-3/day
Leaf/flower extract: 25-125 mg/day. May go to 2g for acute pain
Freeze-dried leaf: 50-100 mg/day
Tincture:
Tablets:
Chevallier (2016)
Fresh leaves: 2-3 leaves, eaten, for migraine prevention
Tincture: 10 drops daily, long-term migraine prevention
Capsules: 100mg/day for headaches
Tablets: for headaches
Safety: Petersen (2018) says there are no issues (p. 178). Hoffman (2003) says there is potential for allergic reaction. If susceptible, ulcers may form in the mouth. This is a uterine stimulant so don’t use during pregnancy. Do not use with anti-coagulant drugs (p. 587). Clark (2011) says not to use in children under two due to allergy potential (p. 61). Dr. Kidd (2000) says it’s safe in cats at the appropriate dosage (p. 54, 57).
Lab, Notes And Media:
On 29 April 2019, I started 28g of herb with 50% alcohol. This means my menstruum was 140ml. On 8 June 2019, I strained this for a yield of 70 ml.
Research:
References
Balch, P. A. (2010). Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs, and food supplements (5th Ed). New York, NY: Penguin Group. p. 112.
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 140.
Clark, D. (2011). Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent's Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses. Healthy Living Publications. p. 61.
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. p. 108, 119, 133, 269, 277, 281, 363.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. p. 234-237.
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 587.
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 34, 86, 88, 100, 149, 196
Kidd, R. (2000). Herbal Cat Care: Dr Kidd’s Guide to. Storey Publishing.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P. 174-9.
References
Balch, P. A. (2010). Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-free remedies using vitamins, minerals, herbs, and food supplements (5th Ed). New York, NY: Penguin Group. p. 112.
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 140.
Clark, D. (2011). Herbal Healing for Children: A Parent's Guide to Treatments for Common Childhood Illnesses. Healthy Living Publications. p. 61.
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Griffin, J. (1997). Mother Nature’s Herbal: A Complete Guide for Experiencing the Beauty, Knowledge, & Synergy of Everything that Grows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications. p. 108, 119, 133, 269, 277, 281, 363.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. p. 234-237.
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 587.
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 34, 86, 88, 100, 149, 196
Kidd, R. (2000). Herbal Cat Care: Dr Kidd’s Guide to. Storey Publishing.
Peterson, D. (2018). Herb 503: Advanced Herbal Materica Medica II. American College of Healthcare Sciences. P. 174-9.
Appendix I: Constituents
1,8-cineole (Volatile Oil) has anthelmintic, expectorant, and antiseptic properties and repels cockroaches. Ganora adds antimicrobial and it is also called monoterpene cineole. It also has another name which I'll add when I find it. The spelling makes it a "twenty-dollar-word". She goes on to add it has anti-cancer properties and is great for upper respiratory issues (Hoffman, 2003, p. 66; Ganora, 2009, p. 68, 135).
3-beta-hydroxy-parthenloide (Sesquiterpene Lactones): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Alpha-pinene (Volatile Oil): Hoffman says this is used in the manufacture of camphor, insecticides, perfume bases, and synthetic pine oil and that is can cause skin eruptions, delirium, ataxia, and kidney damage (Hoffman, 2003, p. 64).
Apigenin (Flavonoid), occasionally on leaves and in ferns, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, and hypotensive properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 106). (Feverfew, Passionflower, Rosemary)
Articanin (Sesquiterpene Lactone): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Borneol (Volatile oil) is used mainly to make esters, used in cosmetics. It can also be found in some perfumes and can be toxic to the nervous system of mammals (Hoffman, 2003, p. 64[MC1] ).
Camphor (Essential oil, sesquiterpene) can irritate the skin. It is also a rubefacient. It cools the skin and has anesthetic and antipruritic actions. Hoffman says here this is used as a moth repellent and having worked with this, I can believe it! It's also used as a preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65, 86).
Canin (Sesquiterpene Lactones): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Diosmetin (Flavonoid):
Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).
Jaceidin (Flavonoid):
Jaceosidin (Flavonoid):
Monoterpenes: are soluble in steam, fixed oils and middle to high percentage alcohol solutions. These are generally found in essential oils as major, volatile compounds. Ganora has a LOT of information on these but I think this is the most important information for this audience (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 46, 51, 68, 134, 136, 139).
Parthenolide (Sesquiterpene Lactone): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy. It is found in the leaf of feverfew and has cytotoxic, antitumor, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Ganora says this is anti-inflammatory and prevents migraines as well as having digestive bitter properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370). (Hoffman, 2003, p. 71, 370; Ganora, 2009, p. 31, 49, 68, 138). )
Pyrethrin (Ester): These are bitter. This gives the plant insecticidal properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 62; Ganora, 2009, p. 134).
Quercetin (Flavonoid) reduces allergy-induced inflammation, inhibits the growth of head and neck cancers, inhibits reverse transcriptase. Fallon says this has anti-thyroid properties. Cohen says it prevents gout. Pierre says it fights cancer and prevents heart disease. Also, process cherries, such as those in a can, have twice as much as fresh cherries (Hoffman, 2003, p. 14; Fallon, 2001, p. 502; Cohen, 2007, p. 262; Pierre, 2005, p. 8-9).
Sabinene (Volatile oil):
Santamiarin (Sesquiterpene Lactone):
Secotanapartholide (Sesquiterpene Lactone): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Sesquiterpene lactones: these can kill sheep and goats - are highly irritating to their nose, eyes, and gastrointestinal tracts. Other lactones break down the toxins through metabolism. These can help with cancer but can also be cytotoxic so they are often avoided. These have antiseptic properties. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 70, 174, 199, 370; Petersen, 2018, p. 101).
Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard... There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).
Terpene (also called isoprenoids): These are secondary metabolites. They allow the plant to prosper in its environment. There are more than 20,000 of them (Hoffman, 2003, p. 62-89, 152, 199; Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 45, 46, 68, 79, 85, 93, 116, 133, 134, 139, 140, 147, 154).
Thujone (Volatile oil) may cause convulsions if ingested. Thankfully, he adds 30mg/kg of weight is a toxic level and this is cumulative so ingesting this could be a bad thing. It also causes lesions in the brain's cortex. He does point out if you make a tea (water extract), you won't get the toxic dose. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 66, 199, 530).
Umbellulone (Sesquiterpene):
Beta-carotene: is found in all green leaves of higher plants and mosses, algae and ferns. Hoffman calls this the most important Vitamin A precursor. It is used commercially as food coloring and as sunscreen to protect against erythropoietic protoporphyria. Converts to Vitamin A in the body and is responsible or orange and sometimes reddish pigment. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 85).
Calcium is known as for bone-building but is needed for much more in the body. In addition to your bones, it helps with nerve impulses, blood pressure, blood clotting, and muscle contraction. Too much calcium can cause loss of appetite, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, depression, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and irregular heart beat (FC&A Medical Publishing, p. 298-9). If you don't have enough for these functions, your body WILL pull calcium from your bones. Ganora just talks about solubility of this mineral but I'm leaving the pages here anyway (Ganora, 2009, p. 8, 78, 82, 83) ( )
Iron: is a mineral that is vital for human health. While some don't know but most do, not having enough iron in the body will cause anemia. Too much is considered toxic. There must be a proper balance of this mineral in the body to maintain health. While Ganora mentions this mineral, she discusses blockers of it so I'm leaving the reference here even though I didn't use it (Ganora, 2009, p. 8, 82).
Magnesium:
Manganese:
Phospherous:
Selenium:
Vitamin B1:
Vitamin B2:
Vitamin B3: This is also known as nicotinic acid or niacin.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system.
Zinc: anti-inflammatory (Hoffman, 2003, p. 590).
1,8-cineole (Volatile Oil) has anthelmintic, expectorant, and antiseptic properties and repels cockroaches. Ganora adds antimicrobial and it is also called monoterpene cineole. It also has another name which I'll add when I find it. The spelling makes it a "twenty-dollar-word". She goes on to add it has anti-cancer properties and is great for upper respiratory issues (Hoffman, 2003, p. 66; Ganora, 2009, p. 68, 135).
3-beta-hydroxy-parthenloide (Sesquiterpene Lactones): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Alpha-pinene (Volatile Oil): Hoffman says this is used in the manufacture of camphor, insecticides, perfume bases, and synthetic pine oil and that is can cause skin eruptions, delirium, ataxia, and kidney damage (Hoffman, 2003, p. 64).
Apigenin (Flavonoid), occasionally on leaves and in ferns, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, and hypotensive properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 106). (Feverfew, Passionflower, Rosemary)
Articanin (Sesquiterpene Lactone): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Borneol (Volatile oil) is used mainly to make esters, used in cosmetics. It can also be found in some perfumes and can be toxic to the nervous system of mammals (Hoffman, 2003, p. 64[MC1] ).
Camphor (Essential oil, sesquiterpene) can irritate the skin. It is also a rubefacient. It cools the skin and has anesthetic and antipruritic actions. Hoffman says here this is used as a moth repellent and having worked with this, I can believe it! It's also used as a preservative in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals (Hoffman, 2003, p. 65, 86).
Canin (Sesquiterpene Lactones): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Diosmetin (Flavonoid):
Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).
Jaceidin (Flavonoid):
Jaceosidin (Flavonoid):
Monoterpenes: are soluble in steam, fixed oils and middle to high percentage alcohol solutions. These are generally found in essential oils as major, volatile compounds. Ganora has a LOT of information on these but I think this is the most important information for this audience (Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 46, 51, 68, 134, 136, 139).
Parthenolide (Sesquiterpene Lactone): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy. It is found in the leaf of feverfew and has cytotoxic, antitumor, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Ganora says this is anti-inflammatory and prevents migraines as well as having digestive bitter properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370). (Hoffman, 2003, p. 71, 370; Ganora, 2009, p. 31, 49, 68, 138). )
Pyrethrin (Ester): These are bitter. This gives the plant insecticidal properties (Hoffman, 2003, p. 62; Ganora, 2009, p. 134).
Quercetin (Flavonoid) reduces allergy-induced inflammation, inhibits the growth of head and neck cancers, inhibits reverse transcriptase. Fallon says this has anti-thyroid properties. Cohen says it prevents gout. Pierre says it fights cancer and prevents heart disease. Also, process cherries, such as those in a can, have twice as much as fresh cherries (Hoffman, 2003, p. 14; Fallon, 2001, p. 502; Cohen, 2007, p. 262; Pierre, 2005, p. 8-9).
Sabinene (Volatile oil):
Santamiarin (Sesquiterpene Lactone):
Secotanapartholide (Sesquiterpene Lactone): Hoffman calls this one of the 5 sesquiterpene lactones that makes feverfew such an effective headache remedy (Hoffman, 2003, p. 370).
Sesquiterpene lactones: these can kill sheep and goats - are highly irritating to their nose, eyes, and gastrointestinal tracts. Other lactones break down the toxins through metabolism. These can help with cancer but can also be cytotoxic so they are often avoided. These have antiseptic properties. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 70, 174, 199, 370; Petersen, 2018, p. 101).
Sesquiterpenes (in volatile oil): Constituents are often classified based on structure and this particular one makes that hard... There are over 200 structure types. The 3 main structures are acyclic, monocytclic, and bicyclic. Some of these act as pheromones for communication between plants. Some provide a defensive role (Hoffman, 2003, p. 67).
Terpene (also called isoprenoids): These are secondary metabolites. They allow the plant to prosper in its environment. There are more than 20,000 of them (Hoffman, 2003, p. 62-89, 152, 199; Ganora, 2009, p. 44, 45, 46, 68, 79, 85, 93, 116, 133, 134, 139, 140, 147, 154).
Thujone (Volatile oil) may cause convulsions if ingested. Thankfully, he adds 30mg/kg of weight is a toxic level and this is cumulative so ingesting this could be a bad thing. It also causes lesions in the brain's cortex. He does point out if you make a tea (water extract), you won't get the toxic dose. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 66, 199, 530).
Umbellulone (Sesquiterpene):
Beta-carotene: is found in all green leaves of higher plants and mosses, algae and ferns. Hoffman calls this the most important Vitamin A precursor. It is used commercially as food coloring and as sunscreen to protect against erythropoietic protoporphyria. Converts to Vitamin A in the body and is responsible or orange and sometimes reddish pigment. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 85).
Calcium is known as for bone-building but is needed for much more in the body. In addition to your bones, it helps with nerve impulses, blood pressure, blood clotting, and muscle contraction. Too much calcium can cause loss of appetite, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, depression, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and irregular heart beat (FC&A Medical Publishing, p. 298-9). If you don't have enough for these functions, your body WILL pull calcium from your bones. Ganora just talks about solubility of this mineral but I'm leaving the pages here anyway (Ganora, 2009, p. 8, 78, 82, 83) ( )
Iron: is a mineral that is vital for human health. While some don't know but most do, not having enough iron in the body will cause anemia. Too much is considered toxic. There must be a proper balance of this mineral in the body to maintain health. While Ganora mentions this mineral, she discusses blockers of it so I'm leaving the reference here even though I didn't use it (Ganora, 2009, p. 8, 82).
Magnesium:
Manganese:
Phospherous:
Selenium:
Vitamin B1:
Vitamin B2:
Vitamin B3: This is also known as nicotinic acid or niacin.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system.
Zinc: anti-inflammatory (Hoffman, 2003, p. 590).
Appendix II: Therapeutic Actions
Analgesics are pain relievers (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). The most common pain treated is rheumatic pain because treating the symptom (pain) doesn't make the problem go away. These should be used on a temporary basis while the problem is being addressed to ease the sufferer. (Hoffman, 2003, 410)
Anti-inflammatory is much more than "brings down inflammation". There are many things that cause inflammation: infection, auto-immune stimuli, or mechanical injury. As a result, you can't just use ANY anti-inflammatory. Understanding the nature of the inflammation is vital for proper treatment. It's important to remember inflammation is a SYMPTOM and anti-inflammatories should be taken with other things to address the root problem. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 158-9, 243, 247, 487-90)
Antirheumatic is obviously the ability to prevent, relieve or cure they symptoms of rheumatism. Hoffman points out here that these are symptoms, not the underlying cause. So, like with pain treatment, this is JUST treatment of the symptom. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 409, 493-494)
Antiseptics are used to prevent bacteria growth internally and externally. (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Aperitive means laxative
Bitter: Somehow this is not already defined though I've talked about it. The title for the section of bitters is "Digestive System Tonics". One of the things these herbs that have a bitter taste do is stimulate the digestive system. Bitters actually have a whole-body effect as a classification. The taste buds trigger a response in the body (other than that shudder). Bitter herbs stimulate the appetite, the release of digestive juices, aid the liver in detoxing the body and increasing the flow of bile, help regulate pancreas hormones, and help the gut wall repair damage. They also help the heart and circulation. Some are even anti-depressants. Coffee is a bitter. You're welcome. For people like me who don't like bitter, the list above should be a thought-provoker in why we should "acquire the taste". (Hoffman, 2003, p. 243, 410, 498-501).
Carminatives: relieve gas/intestinal stagnation, increase circulation (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Diaphoretics: Served as a warm tea, they promote sweating, Served cold, they act as diuretics. These focus on the respiratory system, including sinuses. There are 2 types: Stimulating drain the lymphatic system to target those swollen glands. Relaxing reduces fevers and skin toxins. They help with acute symptoms. (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Diuretics increase urination by helping elimination through the kidneys and bladder. They help eliminate toxins from the blood and reduce edema and swelling from the waist down (Griffin, 1997, p. 9).
Emmenagogues: Promotes menstrual flow and healthy menstrual function. There are 3 types: warming helps with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, anxiety, cramps and pain. Cooling help calm excited, emotional, and irritable conditions. Tonic builds blood and promotes sexual function (Griffin, 1997, p. 9).
Expectorants are the ones that make you cough up and spit out mucous. This includes mucous from the sinuses, lungs and stomach. (Griffin, 1997, p. 9) The cough itself is relieved by antispasmodics but this is why you want to think before taking cough medicine. The body wants to get rid of that mucous for a reason.
Insecticide means it kills or repels insects.
Nervines: These calm and nourish the nervous system, promote mental clarity, and relieve spasms, pain and congestion. There are 2 types: warming helps with chronic issues, insomnia being a good example. Cooling helps with anger, hypertension, and migraines (Griffin, 1997, p. 10).
Stimulant is an "action that quickens and enlivens the physiological activity of the body". These can target particular parts of the body or systems such as the circulatory, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, nervous and skin. Even bitters can be stimulants. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 345, 519-21).
Stomachic is another way of saying it helps stimulate the digestive system.
Tonics (tonifying) are called "nutritive" and clean the blood in a way that helps the body harmonize (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). They help the lymphatic system work better as well. I think they are considered nutritive because when you have a bunch of crud trolling your system, it's difficult to absorb the nutrients your body requires. If you clean up your system a bit, the body can better absorb those things it requires.
Vasodilator: is the same thing as vascorelaxant. It reduces blood pressure by reducing the pressure on the walls of the blood vessels by relaxing. This explanation can get a bit complicated in explaining how the blood vessels work.
Vermifuge means it expels parasitic worms which means it's another word for anthelmintic. Anniesremedy.com says vermifuge stuns the parasites to flush them out where vermicides kill the worms.
Analgesics are pain relievers (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). The most common pain treated is rheumatic pain because treating the symptom (pain) doesn't make the problem go away. These should be used on a temporary basis while the problem is being addressed to ease the sufferer. (Hoffman, 2003, 410)
Anti-inflammatory is much more than "brings down inflammation". There are many things that cause inflammation: infection, auto-immune stimuli, or mechanical injury. As a result, you can't just use ANY anti-inflammatory. Understanding the nature of the inflammation is vital for proper treatment. It's important to remember inflammation is a SYMPTOM and anti-inflammatories should be taken with other things to address the root problem. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 158-9, 243, 247, 487-90)
Antirheumatic is obviously the ability to prevent, relieve or cure they symptoms of rheumatism. Hoffman points out here that these are symptoms, not the underlying cause. So, like with pain treatment, this is JUST treatment of the symptom. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 409, 493-494)
Antiseptics are used to prevent bacteria growth internally and externally. (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Aperitive means laxative
Bitter: Somehow this is not already defined though I've talked about it. The title for the section of bitters is "Digestive System Tonics". One of the things these herbs that have a bitter taste do is stimulate the digestive system. Bitters actually have a whole-body effect as a classification. The taste buds trigger a response in the body (other than that shudder). Bitter herbs stimulate the appetite, the release of digestive juices, aid the liver in detoxing the body and increasing the flow of bile, help regulate pancreas hormones, and help the gut wall repair damage. They also help the heart and circulation. Some are even anti-depressants. Coffee is a bitter. You're welcome. For people like me who don't like bitter, the list above should be a thought-provoker in why we should "acquire the taste". (Hoffman, 2003, p. 243, 410, 498-501).
Carminatives: relieve gas/intestinal stagnation, increase circulation (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Diaphoretics: Served as a warm tea, they promote sweating, Served cold, they act as diuretics. These focus on the respiratory system, including sinuses. There are 2 types: Stimulating drain the lymphatic system to target those swollen glands. Relaxing reduces fevers and skin toxins. They help with acute symptoms. (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Diuretics increase urination by helping elimination through the kidneys and bladder. They help eliminate toxins from the blood and reduce edema and swelling from the waist down (Griffin, 1997, p. 9).
Emmenagogues: Promotes menstrual flow and healthy menstrual function. There are 3 types: warming helps with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, anxiety, cramps and pain. Cooling help calm excited, emotional, and irritable conditions. Tonic builds blood and promotes sexual function (Griffin, 1997, p. 9).
Expectorants are the ones that make you cough up and spit out mucous. This includes mucous from the sinuses, lungs and stomach. (Griffin, 1997, p. 9) The cough itself is relieved by antispasmodics but this is why you want to think before taking cough medicine. The body wants to get rid of that mucous for a reason.
Insecticide means it kills or repels insects.
Nervines: These calm and nourish the nervous system, promote mental clarity, and relieve spasms, pain and congestion. There are 2 types: warming helps with chronic issues, insomnia being a good example. Cooling helps with anger, hypertension, and migraines (Griffin, 1997, p. 10).
Stimulant is an "action that quickens and enlivens the physiological activity of the body". These can target particular parts of the body or systems such as the circulatory, reproductive, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, nervous and skin. Even bitters can be stimulants. (Hoffman, 2003, p. 345, 519-21).
Stomachic is another way of saying it helps stimulate the digestive system.
Tonics (tonifying) are called "nutritive" and clean the blood in a way that helps the body harmonize (Griffin, 1997, p. 11). They help the lymphatic system work better as well. I think they are considered nutritive because when you have a bunch of crud trolling your system, it's difficult to absorb the nutrients your body requires. If you clean up your system a bit, the body can better absorb those things it requires.
Vasodilator: is the same thing as vascorelaxant. It reduces blood pressure by reducing the pressure on the walls of the blood vessels by relaxing. This explanation can get a bit complicated in explaining how the blood vessels work.
Vermifuge means it expels parasitic worms which means it's another word for anthelmintic. Anniesremedy.com says vermifuge stuns the parasites to flush them out where vermicides kill the worms.
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