Feverfew

Feverfew

 

 

 

Feverfew plant also know as tanacetun parthenium is a plant very well known for it's natural cure of migraine headaches. It grows into a small round bush usually 18 inches high and has daisy like flowers with citrus scented leaves.

 

 

 

This plant falls into the 4 main Herb categories: aromatic,ornamental,culinary and medicinal. It attracts bees and butterflies and is an excellent companion plant for enhancing growth of the plants around it.

 

Aromatic: The flowers are used in potpourri, it's essential oils are used in perfumes and the leaves help deter moths

Ornamental: The double blossom variety is beautiful used in your landscape and they will provide color all year long. They are the first to blossom in the spring and as long as the winter is mild, it will stay green.They will continue to blossom all summer as long as you dead head them, if you let the blossom go to seed, they will re-seed themselves and spread very very quickly.

Culinary: The leaves are usually eaten with honey or even sauteed in oil. They are bitter so this helps prevent mouth ulcers. You can add the blossoms fresh or dried to salads.

Medicinal: Be very careful with this and do not take if you are on blood thinning medication, pregnant or nursing. It helps reduce the pain of migraine headaches, lowers fevers and helps dilate the blood vessels. Used as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. It aids in digestive stimulation and is used as a relaxant.

 

Feverfew can be grown indoors and as long as you keep it pruned back so it grows out and not up. It is a very easy plant to grow and can be grown in any soil without fuss. When planted close together they will block out and suppress weeds making it suitable as a ground cover.

 

 

 

Propagating is done by seeds, cutting or dividing.

 

Seeds: start seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost or directly into the ground when danger of frost has passed.

Cuttings: this should be done in the summer. Cut the shoot at an angle just below the leaf node. Use sharp scissors and be sure the cutting is 4-5 inches long.Remove the leaves from the very bottom and dip in root stimulant and plant it in a light soil mix. Water very well and keep protected during the winter months.

A good light soil mix for cuttings is

2 parts soil

2 parts peat moss

2 parts sand

 

To encourage new growth, prune after the last hard freeze in the spring and remove any damaged areas. Pinch back tips where you want it to bush out. It can be pruned back at anytime to keep it under control.

Another great benefit is they don't have problems with pests or disease due to their bitter taste.

 

Once your plant has had a chance to establish you can begin using them. The leaves and flowers can be harvested anytime. Gently snip the leaves and sprigs off with scissors. Use them fresh or dried.