Feverfew Herb (Tanacetum parthenium) — Bulk Dried Herb
Feverfew Herb (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew is a cheerful, daisy-like perennial of the chrysanthemum family whose bright white flowers and deeply aromatic, feathery leaves have made it a beloved fixture of cottage gardens and physic gardens across Europe for centuries. Despite its delicate appearance, Feverfew has one of the most robust and well-documented histories of any European botanical, appearing in classical Greek texts, medieval herbals, and contemporary botanical research alike.
Our Feverfew is certified organic, cut and sifted from the aerial parts harvested at peak flowering.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Tanacetum parthenium (syn. Chrysanthemum parthenium)
- Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Common Names: Feverfew, Featherfew, Bachelor's Buttons, Midsummer Daisy
- Plant Part Used: Aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Europe (naturalized worldwide)
- Appearance: Dried green herb with small white daisy-like flower remnants
- Aroma: Strongly aromatic, bitter, camphor-like
- Flavor Profile: Intensely bitter, pungent, aromatic
About the Plant
Native to the Balkan Peninsula and southwestern Asia, Tanacetum parthenium has been naturalized across Europe, North America, and much of the temperate world. It is a short-lived perennial or biennial that grows to about 60 cm, producing deeply lobed, yellowish-green leaves with a distinctive strong aroma and clusters of small daisy-like flowers with white ray petals and yellow disc centers. The plant self-seeds prolifically and has naturalized in disturbed soils, roadsides, and garden borders worldwide. Its species name parthenium is derived from the Greek parthenos (virgin), and the plant is associated in classical legend with saving the life of a worker who fell from the Parthenon during its construction.
Traditional Context
Feverfew has been documented in European botanical literature since the time of Dioscorides, who described it in his De Materia Medica. It appears in the writings of John Gerard, Nicholas Culpeper, and numerous other European herbalists. It was a staple of medieval European monastic medicine and cottage herbalism, and experienced a significant revival of interest in the late 20th century when it became one of the most studied botanicals in contemporary Western herbalism.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in hot water for 10 minutes (note: very bitter)
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction
- Fresh Leaves: Traditionally eaten fresh (1–3 leaves) in a sandwich to mask the bitterness
- Herbal Blends: Pairs with Meadowsweet and Willow Bark in traditional Western formulas
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Feverfew maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Not recommended during pregnancy. Those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should use with caution. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are nursing, taking medications, or have a health condition.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.