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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.



FEVERFEW
(Chrysanthemum parthenium)
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CAUTION! Flowers are laxative and should be used sparingly. Leaves can burn the soft tissue of the mouth, use caution.

PROPAGATION: By division with heel; cutting; seed. Perennial.
NEEDS: Full to part sun. Average, well-drained soil.
HARVEST: Leaves (freeze fresh); flowers (dry).
FLOWERS: July

USES

MEDICINAL:
Has been used for migraine (a few leaves chopped and added to food). If heat is helpful in reducing headache pain, then feverfew might help; if cold is helpful then feverfew probably will not help.
Has also been used for rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and bronchitis.
Said to be helpful with delirium tremens of alcoholism.
Has been used externally as tincture to relieve pain of insect bites.

CRAFT:
Dried stems and flowers for floral arrangements. Also used in potpourri.

INSECTS:
Use a double strength brew to bathe exposed areas and allow to dry on skin to keep biting insects away. Use leaves and flowers in insect repellent sachets. Use as a spray for insecticide. Soak flowers in dandelion wine as insect repellent.

DYE:
Fresh leaves and stems give a greenish-yellow with chrome mordant.

COMPANION:
None.




©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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