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| prefer taking capsules to eating the fresh plant or drinking its tea, and a few users experience mouth and throat irritation from an allergic reaction. No other adverse side effects have been documented, and long-term users have been monitored for blood pressure, liver function and other factors for several years. For best results, herbalist Christopher Hobbs recommends taking freeze-dried feverfew in capsules. Exposure to heat and improper drying destroy parthenolide, its active ingredient. |
| According to Hancock, onset-stage arthritis, monthly migraines, minor stress and insomnia should respond to a daily dosage of 125 mg dried herb. Arthritis accompanied by serious pain, stiffness and joint swelling, frequent migraines and ankylosing spondylitis usually respond to 125 mg given twice daily for 10 to 14 days; if relief is rapid, reduce the dosage to 125 mg once per day. Higher dosages may increase the chances of an allergic reaction. |
| For best results, take feverfew with food whenever possible; do not chew raw leaves if you grow the plant yourself (instead, swallow a 2 x 2.5-inch piece of leaf with food); if taking 250 mg daily, take half in the morning and half at night; do not take feverfew with high dosage blood pressure medication; avoid alcohol during the first two weeks of treatment (alcohol interferes with feverfew's effectiveness); and experiment to reduce the dosage when you begin to experience results. |
| Improvements caused by feverfew often continue for weeks, months and even years after treatment |
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