Indications

CNS
• migraines prophylaxis†
• tinnitus
• vertigo

Gastrointestinal
• dyspepsia

Musculoskeletal
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Reproduction
• menstrual pain
• menstrual irregularity
• dysmenorrhea

Infection
• fever
• bacterial infection
• fungal infection
• parasitic infection (e.g. leishmaniasis)

Other
• acne rosacea

† Note: requires long-term use to reduce attack frequency; does not affect intensity or duration if/when they occur )

Actions

• Febrifuge
• Antiinflammatory
• Bitter
• Emmenagogue (Large Doses)
• Antimicrobial
• Antiparasitic
• Antileishmanial
• Antipyretic
• Insecticide

Constituents

• Sesquiterpene Lactones (E.g. Parthenolide)
• Volatile Oils
• Bioflavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5): 0.5-1 ml bid
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 45% EtOH): 0.7-2 ml qd
• Standardize extract (0.2% parthenolides): 25-125 mg qd
• Fresh herb: 1 leaf qd-tid

Safety

Side effects: Mouth ulcers.

Pregnancy: Use with caution. May stimulate the uterus.

Lactation: Safety has not yet been established.

Withdrawal: Should be done gradually to avoid rebound symptoms.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002