Evidence supporting the use of: Feverfew
For the health condition: Headache (tension)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) has a long history of traditional use for various ailments, including headaches. More recently, scientific interest has focused on its potential role in preventing and alleviating migraine headaches rather than tension-type headaches. The active components, particularly parthenolide, are thought to inhibit the release of serotonin and prostaglandins and to modulate inflammatory responses, which could theoretically reduce headache symptoms.

Clinical studies on feverfew’s efficacy for migraine prevention have yielded mixed results, with some showing modest benefit and others finding no significant difference compared to placebo. However, regarding tension-type headaches specifically, the scientific evidence is scarce and largely inconclusive. Most trials and reviews focus on migraine, and there is minimal direct research evaluating feverfew’s effects on tension headaches. The few available studies do not demonstrate a clear benefit for this type of headache.

Overall, while feverfew is supported by traditional use and some scientific studies for migraine prevention, its use for tension-type headaches is not well validated by clinical research. Therefore, the evidence level for feverfew in treating or preventing tension headaches is low, and its use for this specific purpose is not strongly supported by current scientific data.

More about feverfew
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Other health conditions supported by feverfew

Fever
Headache (cluster)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Migraine