Tanacetum parthenium
Feverfew has daisy-like flowers, a characteristic of the Compositae family to which it belongs. It is a plant which is commonly found in temperate climes and, traditionally, those suffering from migraine headaches were advised to place a leaf from the feverfew plant in their sandwich!
Feverfew has been subject to a fair amount of research. Sesquiterpene lactones are thought to be the main active constituents of the plant. They inhibit platelet aggregation and the secretion of serotonin, which precede a migraine. Feverfew may therefore avert the onset of a migraine headache.
Some people may be prone to mouth ulcers when using Feverfew. Avoid if you have a known hypersensitivity to other members of the Compositae family such as Chamomile. Feverfew may be taken daily to prevent migraine but may also be taken at the onset of a migraine to reduce the symptoms.