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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Feverfew 
        
(Message started by: Bgorsh on Nov 28^th, 2006, 8:10pm)

Title: Feverfew
Post by Bgorsh on Nov 28^th, 2006, 8:10pm

Ive been a ch for about 7 years now it started when I was about 14 (am 20 now) and going for my pharm. D. I had episodic very painful episodic cluster headaches for about 3 years, then I read in some magazine that feverfew has shown improvement in preventing headaches. I have been taking it for about 3-4 years and have a drastic improvement in my cluster headache number, time between headaches, and pain intensity. I take one a day, every day, am not on any other medication and am pretty content with the results.

Has anyone tried this supplement and had any results?

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by E-Double on Nov 28^th, 2006, 9:17pm

didn't make a difference.
Glad it appears to be helping.

pf wishes

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by JDH on Nov 28^th, 2006, 11:20pm

Good to hear you're getting some relief, I hope it continues.
I tried it years ago but nada.

Jim

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by georgej on Nov 28^th, 2006, 11:33pm

Glad that it seems to be helping. I understand that it may be beneficial for migraines, but I've not heard that it does much for CH.

In my case, the supplement did nothing. I even grew the stuff and consumed it fresh in salads. It was best with blue cheese dressing--offset the bitterness of the feverfew nicely. Still did nothing for the headaches.

Best wishes,

George

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by pattik on Nov 28^th, 2006, 11:40pm

I haven't heard of actual prevention of CH from Feverfew. Feverfew has a long history of use for migraines. While no research has been done specifically for cluster headaches, its possible use would be in regards to the active ingredient called parthenolide that seems to affect the release of serotonin, while reducing the level of certain chemicals associated with inflammation, including histamines and prostaglandins. Since it can take 4-6 weeks to begin taking effect, most CH sufferers, especially episodic sufferers, wouldn't see results fast enough to bring any kind of meaningful relief. People with chronic CH might experience a lessening of frequency or intensity if they stay with it long enough. If you're finding feverfew works for you, that's great. You might also want to read the kudzu threads on this site. Many, many CH'ers have had significant results with it. Best wishes.
patK

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by Bgorsh on Nov 29^th, 2006, 12:04am

Thanks a lot for all the replies. I did read that it was normally used as an abortive medication for migraines but it does seem to work for me at least. It did take a couple of weeks for the chemical to build up to be effective but then I found a lot of relief from it. So, hopefully it could help some others : )

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by BB on Nov 29^th, 2006, 12:21am

Great to hear it works for you. How do you use it?

Annette

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by sandie99 on Nov 29^th, 2006, 5:53am

Hi there!

When I was first diagnosed with ch back in 2003, I read in some medical books (which I found at Borders at London's Oxford Street) that feverfew and some others are used as a combo can be useful to clusterheads. And I did ask about them back then if I recall correctly. I haven't tried it myself, though.

I'm glad to hear that feverfew is helping you. :) I hope that it continues that way! :)

Best wishes,
Sanna

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by Bgorsh on Nov 30^th, 2006, 12:53am

Im pretty sure feverfew can be taken with niacin and some other supplement. Niacin is normally taken for cholesterol but i think it can also dilate vessels and nerves. I j ust take a 380mg capsule of feverfew once a day. The draw back to first starting it is that it can take a month to build up in ur system as a preventative med to be effective.

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by Pinkfloyd on Nov 30^th, 2006, 1:16am

Glad to hear you're getting some relief.

I know you've been using it a while and the dose isn't large....but..

Just in case others are thinking of trying it, there was some evidence long ago that it could cause some problems with smooth muscle tissues. Just something to look out for...just because its natural.....etc.

keep an eye out for mouth ulcers etc...

Bobw

Title: Re: Feverfew
Post by chopmyheadoff on Nov 30^th, 2006, 4:07am

hiya matey - glad you found some relief there

chops