For some people with migraine attacks, prescription treatment is only part of the plan. You may also wonder whether natural options, such as feverfew, can help prevent attacks or help with migraine relief.

Research on feverfew has had mixed results. Some studies suggest it may help reduce how often migraine attacks happen or how severe they are for some people. Like any supplement, it can also cause side effects and may not be right for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know about feverfew for migraine, including what the research says, how effective it may be, and its potential risks and side effects.

What Is Feverfew?

The feverfew plant is related to the daisy and grows in the U.S. and Europe. It may also be called featherfew, European feverfew, or bachelor’s buttons.

Feverfew is a plant that has been used for many health conditions. It’s available as an oral tablet or capsule, liquid, or tea.

Feverfew has been used for fever, earache, menstrual problems, and kidney and liver problems. However, there isn’t enough evidence to know if it helps with these conditions.

What Are the Side Effects of Feverfew?

Although no serious side effects have been reported with feverfew, possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Digestive problems such as abdominal pain
• Red, itchy rash
• Bloating
• Sores and irritation of the mouth (mouth ulcers), if the fresh leaves are chewed
• Allergic reaction, especially in people who are sensitive to ragweed or any related plants

What Else Should You Know About Feverfew?

Before deciding whether to take feverfew for migraine attacks, there are some key points to keep in mind:

• Feverfew should be stopped at least two weeks before any surgery, as it can slow blood clotting.
• Some medicines may interact with feverfew, including medicines used to treat migraine.
• Using feverfew on the skin may cause discoloration, soreness, and inflammation, also called contact dermatitis.
• People who stop taking feverfew after taking it for a long time may experience withdrawal side effects, including headaches, trouble sleeping, stiff muscles, and anxiety.
• Dietary supplements usually don’t need FDA approval before they are sold. This means the quality, dose, and preparation may be different, depending on the manufacturer. After a supplement is sold, the FDA may remove it from the market if it is unsafe or if the company makes false or misleading claims.

Who Shouldn’t Use Feverfew?

Feverfew is not right for everyone. Before using feverfew, tell your healthcare provider about all medicines, supplements, vitamins, herbal remedies, minerals, and home remedies you take.

You shouldn’t use feverfew if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or other related plants
• Take an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine, because feverfew may increase the risk of bleeding or interact with these medicines
• Take a medicine that is a cytochrome P450 3A4 substrate, because feverfew may increase the risk of side effects from these medicines

Your healthcare provider can help you find out if any of your medicines are in this group.

When Should You Talk to Your Healthcare Provider?

Talk with your healthcare provider before trying feverfew, especially if you take migraine medicine, blood thinners, or other prescription drugs. They can help you decide whether feverfew is safe for you and how to use it appropriately.

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Have you tried feverfew or other supplements for migraine attacks? What was your experience? Let others know in the comments below.