Potency of this traditional headache cure changes with variety.
The small flowers of Chrysanthemum parthenium or feverfew resemble chamomile. During the Middle Ages herbalists referred to the plant as featherfoil. Gradually the name evolved into "feverfew" and as early as the 17th century the plant gained a reputation as a headache cure. In the 1970s, Dr. E. Stewart Johnson tested feverfew on 270 patients at the City of London Migraine Clinic. Feverfew relieved migraines in 70 percent. Not all varieties yield usable amounts of parthenolide, the plant's natural pain reliever.
Feverfew (OG)
This feverfew variety produced organically by Johnny's Selected Seeds of Winslow, Maine, ranked lowest in parthenolide content during testing of three feverfew varieties by Clemson University in 2001. Clemson University considers Johnny's feverfew unsuitable for dietary supplements. The vigorous plant still provides aromatic chrysanthemum-like foliage and daisy-like blooms. Perennial in areas with mild winters, this variety self-seeds farther north.
White Pompom
White Pompom feverfew produces 0.3 percent parthenolide, according to seed producer Richters Herb Specialists of Goodwood, Canada. This perennial grows 2 feet high and produces dense blooms of long-stemmed flowers with double rows of white petals. Richters produces only one other feverfew variety with a significant level of parthenolide.
Richters Feverfew
Listed only as feverfew in the company's seed catalog, this Richters variety produces the highest concentration of parthenolide, rated by the company at 0.4 percent. Although Clemson University did not identify specific varieties grown in its 2001 field test, the experiment did include two varieties from Richters which yielded 5 times the parthenolide content of Johnny's feverfew.
White Stars
Richters White Stars feverfew grows only 7 inches tall. Richters recommends this feverfew for decorative container plantings and for bouquets, either fresh or in dried-flower form. The company rates the parthenolide content of White Stars feverfew as low. Richters states that all three feverfew varieties are winter-hardy from USDA Hardiness Zone 5 to 9.
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