Feverfew: What It Is and How to Use It
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a daisy-like plant with small white-and-yellow flowers, native to southeastern Europe. Despite its name, it is best known in herbal tradition not for fevers but for head comfort — it has been traditionally used for tension and head discomfort for centuries. You can find it at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805, in our bulk herb section.
Available in Bulk
We carry feverfew in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful to try, to a full bag for your herbal pantry. Our staff can help you find it and share how it is typically prepared.
What We Carry
- Feverfew herb cut and sifted — the dried leaves and flowering tops, the traditional form for teas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is feverfew traditionally used for?
Feverfew is traditionally used to support head comfort — herbal texts going back to ancient Greece mention it, and in the 1980s it gained modern attention when studies explored its traditional use for head tension. It remains one of the herbs most associated with this purpose.
What does feverfew taste like?
It is quite bitter — one of the more bitter herbs in the bulk section. Most people who drink it as tea blend it with strongly flavored herbs like peppermint or ginger to make it palatable.
Why is it called feverfew?
The name comes from the Latin febrifugia, meaning "fever reducer" — in medieval herbal practice it was used for fevers. Over time, its traditional use shifted toward head comfort, but the old name stuck.
Are there any cautions with feverfew?
Feverfew is in the daisy family, so people with ragweed or daisy allergies should be cautious. Traditional herbal references also advise against its use during pregnancy. As with any herb, it is worth discussing with a qualified practitioner if you take medications.
Did you know? In the 1980s, feverfew went from an obscure folk herb to a widely studied one after British research into its traditional use for head tension brought it mainstream attention (source: documented in herbal medicine histories of the period).
Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find feverfew in the bulk herb section.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.