FEVERFEW

Tanacetum (Chrysanthemum) parthenium

Family: Asteraceae

Other Names: Featherfew, Featherfoil, Flintwort, Bachelor’s buttons, Fr. Grande camomille

Parts used: Aerial

Characteristics: Aromatic, bitter

Systems affected: Intestines, stomach

Actions: Febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, tonic, analgesic, aperient, carminative, vermifuge

This erect perennial or biennial is a European native that is now common throughout North America but grows mostly in gardens, occasionally escaping into the wild or surviving near old homesteads. Its branched leafy stem is furrowed, about half a metre high, with alternate pinnate leaves, its leaflets gashed and toothed. The compound flowers resemble a small daisy, its center convex and bright yellow, the petals often doubled. It flowers throughout the summer and is aromatic; bees dislike it and will keep their distance. Gather in early summer; as it is best used fresh, it is preferable to freeze for later use.

MEDICINAL USES:

Migraines, fevers, irregular menstruation, stomach upset, arthritis

• As its name suggests, Feverfew was once known for its fever-reducing properties and usefulness for treating the common cold; however, there are other herbs that have proven more effective such as Elder berry, Yarrow, and Boneset. Its main use now is in preventing and treating migraines. In several double-blind, placebo-controlled studies where migraine patients took capsules of Feverfew every day, they reported less-intense migraines and related symptoms after 12 weeks. Like many herbs, a small and regular dose over a long period of time works better than taking a large amount over a short period of time.
• Increases appetite, improves digestion, helps relieve colic and colitis.
• May help reduce skin inflammation and relieve dermatitis.
• Uterine stimulant, it promotes menstruation, eases irregularities and cramps. Tones the womb after childbirth.
• There is some promising research into using Feverfew and St. John’s Wort for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
• May relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism.
• Some claim it will relieve tinnitus and Ménière’s disease.

folklore: Planted around one’s dwelling, it was said to purify the air and prevent disease. Often used to ward off insects.

infusion: 1–2 tsp. fresh herb to 1 cup of boiling water; cool. Drink ½ cup, 2 times a day.

tincture: 6–12 drops, 3 times a day.

important: Not recommended if pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid if you are prone to allergies. If taking for more than 1 week and wish to stop, take care to reduce dosage gradually, as stopping all at once may cause headaches, anxiety, muscle stiffness, and joint pain. May increase the risk of bleeding; avoid if you are on blood thinners. Ask your doctor before taking if you are on any medications. Do not give to children under 2 years of age.

FIREWEED

Chamaenerion (Epilobium) angustifolium

Family: Onagraceae

Other names: Willow herb, Purple firetop, Blooming Sally, Fr. Épilobe, Herbe-à-feu

Parts used: Roots, leaves, flowers

Characteristics: Sweet, cool, drying

Systems affected: Lungs, digestive tract, reproductive organs

Actions: Antispasmodic, antiseptic, demulcent, astringent, anti-inflammatory, emollient, laxative, anthelmintic

This colourful flower is noted for being one of the first plants to appear after a wildfire, for it thrives on burnt or disturbed land and can become invasive very quickly as it spreads both by self-seeding and rhizomes. Native to North America, it is a perennial herb growing up to 1.8 metres tall, with magenta flowers that bloom from July through to September. They bloom low on the stem at first, and throughout the summer they work their way up to the top. In the fall, the seed pods split open and the plant tops become white and feathery, the tufts of white hair distributing the seeds on the wind. The willow-like alternate leaves are dark green above and silvery underneath, with a lighter central vein. The lateral veins are unique; they don’t extend to the outer edge but loop together near the margin. Young shoots may be harvested in the spring and eaten fresh in salads. Leaves can be picked early in the summer and dried in a paper bag, then stored in a glass jar for later use. The root should be dug in the fall and may be used fresh, and mashed as a poultice to soothe inflammation.

MEDICINAL USES:

Asthma, coughs, irritable bowel, skin problems

• The whole plant is edible and is a gentle but effective anti-inflammatory. Rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
• Antispasmodic, demulcent, and high in mucilage, it soothes mucus membranes, and a cool decoction of the whole plant can be used to treat whooping cough, asthma, and hiccups.
• Leaf decoctions are anti-inflammatory and good for the stomach and the digestive tract, and soothe and rebalance irritable bowels and diarrhea. Young flowerheads may be infused in oil for treating hemorrhoids.
• Indigenous peoples use the peeled root in poultices for boils or abscesses, or the leaves in compresses for burns, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and wounds. A tea can be made from the whole plant to treat digestive and bronchial problems and internal parasites..
• Current research shows the rhizome, which contains flavonoids and the tannin oenethein B, may be useful in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possibly prostate cancer.

other uses:

• Young shoots and flowers are good in salads or as a potherb.
• Dried leaves make a nice tea.
• Yields a delicious honey.
• Cordage made from fibrous stems.
• Cottony seed hairs can be used as stuffing or tinder.

infusion: Mix 1–2 tsp. dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water. Drink as needed.