Friday 26 June 2009

The herb Feverfew and what it can do for you!

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a daisy like perennial herb that has probably always had a place in cottage gardens back through the centuries. Bees do not like Feverfew! Which is a sure sign that it has other attributes! It has a strong scent and wards off other creepy crawlies as well. The dried leaves can be put into sachets and used to ward off moths in the wardrobe.

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Both the leaf and flower can be used to make a tea. It is especially good for migraine sufferers but also for ordinary headaches and is a cure for hangovers. It has been found to be helpful for both arthritic and rheumatic pain especially if they are of an inflammatory nature. If chewing the leaves which taste disgusting (ask me how I know!) it is necessary to rinse the mouth out with water as they can give rise to mouth ulcers due to an allergic reaction in some people. But chewing a couple of leaves the morning after will certainly get rid of any hang over feelings.

It is certainly an attractive plant and works well in the herb garden giving a splash of colour among all the green leaves. It grows to about 2ft in height and makes quite a bushy plant. It is worth having just to keep the moths at bay and preserve those winter woollies!

7 comments:

  1. LOVELY plant. Seeded itself. But now it's gone sadly.

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  2. I think I have lost min which seeded over the years a pretty flower but I never could like the pungent smell.

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  3. Ah-ha! I think I've just discovered what the daisy like plant is in my garden! :D

    It looked very nice in a vase last summer with other plants from around the garden, I'll try seeding it this year to get more :)

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  4. Ah, a fellow gardening quilter! Enchante! I used to get terrible headaches all the time, it hasn't been as bad lately, but it's good to know that feverfew could do the trick! I also didn't know it could repel moths! Might just have to get me some!

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  5. I'm glad you think it's lovely Elephant's Eye. I do too. It does smell pretty awful Joanne doesn't it but that's probably what keeps the moths at bay. Glad to be of help Liz! :-) Lzyjo there are a lot of us around! Nice to meet another one! Believe me it's good for moths or should I say bad for moths! :-)

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  6. Good post Valeri! I like those plants which look good and are useful for us.

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  7. Thank you Tatyana for the comment. I try to find a use for all my herbs as well as enjoying them for their looks! Val

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