Feverfew

Supplements · Cardiovascular & Anti-Inflammatory Herbs · Supplement, Typed Supps

A traditional herb studied for cutting how often migraines happen — not for stopping one already underway.

Stage by stage

Intake (Extract capsule or leaf): Its main active compound, parthenolide, absorbed in the small intestine.
Small intestine (Absorbed): Absorbed alongside other plant compounds.
Bloodstream (Circulates): Circulates throughout the body.
Migraine-related pathways (Modest studied effect): Studied for modest effects on migraine frequency, generally with consistent daily use.

What the evidence supports

Preventing migraine attacks — limited evidence. A 2015 Cochrane review found one good-quality trial of a standardised CO2 extract showing about half a migraine fewer per month, but the overall body of trials was mixed and low quality, so the effect is not firmly established.

Typical dose

50–150 mg/day of dried leaf standardised to parthenolide (about 0.2–0.4%); the best trial used a standardised CO2 extract at a much lower parthenolide dose

Upper limit: No established UL

Timing

With food, consistent daily use in most studied protocols.

Time to effect

Wks–mo: Consistent use for any reported migraine-frequency effect in studies.

Medication interactions

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: Feverfew inhibits platelet aggregation and may add to bleeding risk. (moderate)

Common myth

“Feverfew stops a migraine once it starts.” In reality: It’s studied for reducing how often migraines occur with regular use, not for treating one already in progress.