Feverfew may reduce painful inflammation due to arthritis. Feverfew may help bring on uterine contractions to reduce the length of labor. It may aid in starting menstrual periods and treating menstrual pain. Feverfew may relieve colitis and soothe insect bites. Feverfew is promoted for fevers, headaches, and arthritis; topically (applied to the skin), it's promoted for toothache and as an antiseptic and insecticide. Feverfew has been called “medieval aspirin” or “aspirin of the 18th century.”