Feverfew
What the trials found
Feverfew has not enough research to establish fewer migraine attacks in adults; one 24-week trial found no clear reduction, leaving prevention unproven.
- 1 papers
- 1 of 5 outcomes
- 1 severe
Risk, worst reported severity
- seizure severe
- gastrointestinal complaints mild
What feverfew actually does
Migraine prevention can mean fewer days shaped by head pain and missed plans. 3929876
| Outcome | Effect | Evidence | Dose | Time | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early research 1 | |||||
| Fewer migraine attacks Not enough research Migraine prevention can mean fewer days shaped by head pain and missed plans. | | 1 RCT 1 papers · n=— | 50 mg | 24 wk | — |
Effect tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.
Dose, timing & forms
How much
The only reviewed headache trial used 50 mg daily for 24 weeks. It did not show a statistically clear reduction in headache days, so the evidence does not establish a reliable dose for headache prevention.1
When and how long
The studied protocol used feverfew every day over months, not as an occasional remedy during a headache.1 The trial does not establish a best time of day or whether taking it with food changes results, so follow the product directions and keep any trial of it consistent.
Forms & standardisation
The clinical literature does not establish one best feverfew form. Products differ in plant material and parthenolide content, so do not assume a tea, whole-leaf capsule, and standardized extract deliver the same thing.2 If you choose a product, a label that identifies the plant part and discloses parthenolide content gives you more useful information than a vague feverfew claim.
Studied range, by outcome
| Outcome | Studied range | Median effective | Duration | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce headache days | 50 mg | — | 24 wk | 1 paper |
Adverse events and drug interactions
Safety events
What this is and how it works
Feverfew is a daisy-family herb, traditionally used in Europe for headaches and other complaints. Supplements usually contain dried feverfew leaf or a leaf extract, rather than the flower you might picture in a garden.2
Feverfew contains parthenolide, a plant compound that seems to turn down inflammatory chemical signals and activity in blood cells involved in clotting, like lowering the volume on an overactive alarm system.2 That biology gives researchers a reason to study feverfew for headaches, but it does not substitute for clinical results. The available 24-week trial did not establish fewer headache days.1
Bottom line
Feverfew is not a strong first choice if you want a supplement with convincing evidence for fewer headache days. One longer trial tested it without a clear benefit, and the broader review found inconclusive results.12 Reported concerns include mouth ulcers, digestive complaints, nervousness, and seizure risk, so anyone with a seizure history should speak with a clinician before using it.
Common questions
Does feverfew prevent migraine or headache attacks?
What dose of feverfew was studied for headache days?
How long does feverfew take to work?
Sources
Sources
Generated August 27, 2026
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