Feverfew - Tanacetum parthenium (Compositae)

Description: Downy perennial with branched stems that grow up to 3 ft. Leaves are pungent and yellow green, and divided into smaller rounded leaflets. In midsummer bears small white daisies with prominent yellow centers. Uses: Use leaves or whole green flowering plant, fresh or dried in the shade. Used as a tonic and to treat indigestion, and currently a popular treatment for migraine. Leaves are soothing when applied in poultice to aching joints and limbs. Whole flowering stems are insect repellant. CAUTION: Not to be taken during pregnancy, and fresh leaves can cause mouth ulcers. Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1.5 ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours. Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1.5 cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Medicinal uses: tonic for indigestion, migraine, insect repellent