Meadowsweet Herbal Information

NAME
Meadowsweet


LATIN NAME
Filipendula ulmaria

ALSO KNOWN AS
Bridewort, meadow queen, meadow-wort, pride of the meadow, queen of the meadow, lady of the meadow, dollof, meadsweet

ORIGIN
North/Central Asia and Europe

PARTS USED
Aerial parts.


TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Meadowsweet is an aromatic plant that heals the mucous membranes of the intestinal tract. It's action as an antacid remedy is due to these mucous membranes lining and protecting the gut, therefore it is used in heartburn, hyperacidity, peptic ulceration and gastritis. It is useful for common conditions like I.B.S (irritable bowel syndrome) and any inflammation of the bowel.
Meadowsweet also has an anti-inflammatory action, so it is indicated for use in joint pain, such as arthritis or rheumatic conditions. It is also an analgesic, so it reduces pain as well as inflammation. It is comparable with Aspirin in its action, so can be replaced in some conditions successfully.
Meadowsweet is good for the common cold, its mucous membrane action again soothes and protects the oesophagus, throat and sinuses, it also reduces a fever.
This soothing action also extends for sore and inflamed eyes, and the cooled infusion of Meadowsweet can be used as an eyebath.
Meadowsweet also has a diuretic action, and is active in creating and sustaining urinary health. It is indicated for use in cystitis and stimulates the flushing of toxins from the kidneys.

FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
Meadowsweet was one of the three herbs held most sacred to the Druids (Vervain and Water-mint being the other two). It was one of the fifty ingredients in a drink called 'Save' in Chaucer's 'Knight's Tale', where it was called Medwort or Meadwort. It was also a popular Elizabethan strewing herb.


CONSTITUENTS
Volatile oil containing salicylaldehyde, phenolic glycosides (including spiraein, monotropin and gaultherin), mucilage, flavonoids, tannins, vitamin C, sugar


TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE
To make meadowsweet tea:
2 -6g dried herb infused into 1 cup of boiling water taken 3 times per day.


PRECAUTIONS
None known.