Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium)

Feverfew is definitely a must-have for the herb garden! It is not only a lovely ornamental herb, but it has medicinal value as well. Chrysanthemum Parthenium Feverfew is easily grown from herb seeds, and it is a hardy perennial with deeply cut leaves and lovely daisy-like blooms that measure 3/4 inch across. It is native to Southern Europe, but today it can be found in many areas of the world. A synonymous botanical name is Tanacetum Parthenium.
 
The Feverfew herb plant will thrive in the poorest soils. It prefers a position in full sun as the plant sometimes is susceptible to mildew in the shade. Feverfew roots prefer not to be waterlogged, so soil that drains wells is a must. Propagation of the Feverfew plant can be both from herb seeds or by root division. Feverfew flowers are nice for cutting and may be dried face down on a flat surface and used in potpourri.
 
Feverfew is a medicinal herb with a long history of use. The leaves are dried and used as an herbal remedy for migraine headaches. The Feverfew herb contains parthenolide which can relieve mild spasms and is an anti-inflammatory. Some people take it to relieve the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.