Herb comparison
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) vs Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 1 of the same condition, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
- About
- Feverfew is a perennial plant with leaves that look like those of chrysanthemum and flowers that look like daisies. NCCIH says some research suggests it may help prevent migraine headaches, but results have been mixed.Lavender (Lavandula officinalis, also known as L. angustifolia) is a small, perennial shrub that can grow about 3 ft (1 m) high, characterized by its narrow, silver-green leaves and spiked violet-blue flowers. Renowned for its sweet aroma, lavender has a long history in traditional medicine for improving mood and sleep, and NCCIH says it is promoted today for calming anxiety and stress. NCCIH says studies suggest an oral lavender oil product might help anxiety, but more high-quality research is needed to reach reliable conclusions.
- Safety & precautions
- Fresh feverfew leaves can cause mouth ulcers. Do not use feverfew during pregnancy and avoid it if you are allergic to ragweed.Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid ingesting without professional guidance. Allergies or Skin Irritation: Possible when applied topically; discontinue if irritation occurs. Children: NCCIH notes a few reports of breast swelling in children who used lavender skin products, although it is unclear whether lavender was the cause. Pregnancy: NCCIH says little is known about whether lavender is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so seek professional advice.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.