You may be passionate about gardening for medicinal purposes or simply be aware of the importance of buying herbs for fresh use. You may find the following article useful if you want to know the medicinal value of chamomile vs feverfew.
Feverfew and chamomile are very closely related plants that could both be used as herbal cures. Both plants are members of the Asteraceae or daisy family and are close cousins.
They have similar looking flowers, but there are some differences in their leaf shapes. The leaves of feverfew are more deeply lobed than chamomile.
This informative article features some of the widely known benefits and disadvantages of these two plants and discusses how they may help.
What is Chamomile?
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a daisy-like plant that has been used medicinally for centuries. The flowers and leaves are dried and brewed as a tea, which can be enjoyed for its soothing properties or used to treat a variety of ailments.
The infusion of chamomile has been shown to help with sleeping, anxiety, and stomachaches. It is also known as a mild pain reliever, making it ideal for people who want herbal remedies without ingesting synthetic drugs.
What is Feverfew?
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a member of the daisy family that has been used medicinally for centuries as well. The dried leaves and flowers can be brewed into a tea, or the fresh leaves can be used in salads or other dishes.
Feverfew is best known for its ability to reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches. It has also been shown to help with asthma, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
The leaves and flowers are dried and brewed as tea, which can be enjoyed for its soothing properties or used to treat a variety of ailments.
What are the Benefits of Chamomile?
Soothing: Chamomile tea is a soothing drink that can help to calm the nerves and soothe the stomach.
Anxiety: Chamomile has been shown to be helpful in treating anxiety disorders.
Pain relief: Chamomile is a mild pain reliever, making it an ideal choice for people who want herbal remedies without ingesting synthetic drugs.
What are the Benefits of Feverfew?
Migraine headaches: Feverfew is best known for its ability to reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches.
Asthma: Feverfew has been shown to help with asthma, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
Reduce inflammation: Feverfew is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
How are They Different?
There are a few key differences between chamomile and feverfew:
• Chamomile is typically brewed as a tea, while feverfew is often taken in capsule form.
• Feverfew is known to be more effective in treating migraines than chamomile.
• Chamomile is thought to be a better choice for promoting relaxation and sleep, while feverfew is more often used to treat headaches and other pain.
• Chamomile is considered safe for pregnant women while feverfew should be avoided by pregnant women.
In general, chamomile and feverfew are both effective herbal remedies with a long history of use. They share some common benefits, such as reducing inflammation, but also have unique properties that make them each a potentially valuable tool in the fight against various ailments.
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of chamomile and feverfew, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.
Why Do People Take Them?
Chamomile and feverfew both have a long history of medicinal use. Chamomile has been used to calm the nervous system, relieve stress, and promote sleep, while feverfew has primarily been used to reduce the symptoms of migraines and other headache pain.
People take chamomile and feverfew for various reasons, including:
-To reduce inflammation
-To treat headaches, including migraines
-To stop nausea and vomiting
-To ease menstrual cramps
-To regulate blood sugar levels
-To soothe anxiety and stress
-To promote relaxation and sleep.
Which one is Better for You and Why?
There is no simple answer as to which plant is better for you. Each person may respond differently to chamomile or feverfew, so it is important to experiment until you find the remedy that works best for you.
In general, chamomile is thought to be more effective in treating anxiety and stress, while feverfew may be better for headaches and related pains. Feverfew is also thought to be more effective in treating migraines than chamomile.
For those looking for herbal remedies that promote relaxation and help with sleep, chamomile is the better choice as it is thought to be a better relaxant than feverfew.
However, feverfew is still a valuable remedy for those seeking relief from headaches and other pain.
When it comes to choosing between chamomile and feverfew, it is important to consider your specific needs and symptoms. Talk to a healthcare professional to get advice on which plant may be the best for you.
What are the Side Effects of Each?
There are some side effects that can occur with either chamomile or feverfew. These include:
-Allergic reactions (although these are rare)
-Restlessness, insomnia, irritability
-Anxiety, depression
-“Hair loss” for those using it topically to treat scalp conditions.
People taking chamomile or feverfew should be aware of these potential side effects and report any problems to their healthcare provider. It is also important to stop taking the herbs if any adverse reactions occur.
How to Take Them?
For those taking the remedies as teas, chamomile and feverfew are both made by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb in boiling water for 10 minutes.
You can drink up to 4 cups a day.
When taken as capsules or tablets, follow the instructions on the label carefully. If you have any questions, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.
If you are using either herb topically, follow the instructions carefully. Health care professionals can provide more information on the safe usage of chamomile or feverfew for topical treatments.
Who Should Avoid Taking Them?
People who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums (other members of the “aster” family), marigold, daisy, or related plants should not use chamomile or feverfew.
Pregnant women should avoid taking either herb as well.
Both chamomile and feverfew can affect blood sugar levels, so those with diabetes should use the plants carefully.
Chamomile and feverfew may also interact with drugs such as blood thinners (warfarin), insulin, diuretics, and others. It’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking either herb.
Final Words
The bottom line is that many people find relief from a variety of symptoms with chamomile and feverfew. However, neither plant should be used in certain circumstances or by those who are allergic to related plants.
For instance, pregnant women may want to consult with their healthcare provider before taking either herbal remedy as it’s unclear what impact they would have on the pregnancy.
In general, both plants carry some risks when taken orally but can also help relieve various ailments when applied topically or consumed as tea. Be sure you speak with your doctor if you decide to take either herb for any reason.
