Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Flowers: June to September. Height: Up to 45cm (18in).
A corruption of the Latin word Febrifugia – meaning something that drives away fevers. Known as Arsesmart in Yorkshire, the leaves were also used as a moth repellent.
Medicinal: Brought to Britain by medieval herbalists, the leaves, fresh or dried, were used to reduce fevers and relieve headaches and migraine. The plant was also known for treating toothache, arthritis and melancholy. Culpeper’s Complete Herbal (1653) “It is very effectual for all pains in the head coming of a cold cause, the herb being bruised and applied to the crown of the head: as also for the vertigo; that is, a running or swimming of the head.”
Culinary: Dried flowers for a herbal tea.
