Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: Aerial Parts

Flavor/Aroma: Sweet, Bitter

Energetics: Cooling, Drying

 

Overview:

Meadowsweet is an herb that has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry, some say for good and others leave it to question, ever since the discovery of its powerful pain-relieving constituents. Aspirin is the loosely related bi-product of the commoditization of Meadowsweets famous ability to mitigate almost any ache or discomfort, but there is much more to this herb than we originally thought.2

Meadowsweet grows as an herbaceous plant, that is a lover of water and well lit areas. It prefers cooler climates, and can grow to heights of 3 feet tall. Meadowsweet is a perennial herb that blooms white, elegant tufts of flowers in the heat of the summer months. Its leaves resemble that of roses, and are dark green, with serrated edges, and a greyish tone under-belly.

Cultivation and Harvesting:

Meadowsweet is native to Europe, particularly Ireland and Great Britain, and parts of Asia, but is naturalized in much of the United States- most predominantly along the East coast.1

Southern Oregon Cultivation:

Meadowsweet is commonly found across the state of Oregon, in its favorite habitat- meadows. It is easily cultivated in the cooler climates of this region and will thrive in the presents of a steady water source Meadowsweet flowers attract local pollinators alike, and is particularly alluring to honey bee populations. It can be found in the wild by roadsides, in ditches, and other swampy areas.

History and Folklore:

Meadowsweet has been used to sweeten culinary delights, flavor ales and liquors, and as a bouquet during wedding ceremonies. Its traditional uses include a remedy for kidney and bladder afflictions, to reduce fevers, subdue stomach pain, stop excessive diarrhea, and to relieve rheumatic pains throughout the body.1 

Meadowsweet was one of three herbs, besides Water-Mint and Vervain, that was revered as a sacred herb to the Druids.

Ayurvedic Medicine Traditional Uses: Meadowsweet was used to treat peptic ulcers, joint and muscle pain, rheumatism, and prophylaxis.

Modern Applications:

Meadowsweet has been indicated to support those with urinary infections and other uterine disorders, systemic pain of the skeletal muscular system, headaches, nerve pain, and to reduce stubborn fevers. It is used to remedy the common cold and influenza. It can also be used to support a variety of gastrointestinal upsets and soothe stomach and intestinal ulcers.2  

Uses and Preparations:

Dried Herb Tea Preparation: 

1 Tablespoon per cup of water.

Using a reusable tea bag or tea ball, immerse the loose dried herbs into boiling water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, preferably covered, in order to release the maximum amount of herbal goodness. Some herbal tea can carry a strong flavor. We recommend organic honey as a sweetener which preserves the beneficial herbal compounds. 

Tincture: 

1-3 mL up to 4 times per day.

Some herbal tinctures can have a strong flavor on their own. Adding your tincture to a glass of 6-8oz of water is one easy way to help, should you wish to dilute the flavor.  

Recommended Usage:

It is important to remember that some bodies may react differently than others when using herbal products. Our recommended usage amounts are designed to be an average dosage only. If you have specific concerns about the usage amount or interaction with other medication, please consult with your doctor or health care practitioner prior to using our products.

Precautions:

Meadowsweet may cause allergic hypersensitivity in persons sensitive to salicylates. We recommend consulting with your practitioner if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or if you are using any other medications.  

References:

1. Meadowsweet. (n.d). www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/hoo1922/meadowsweet.html 
2. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/expandedE/Meadowsweet.html 
3. Arsenijevic, J., Bozic, D., Milenkovic, M., Maksimovic, Z., Samardzic, S. (March 1, 2018). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. And Filipendula vulgaris Moench. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29132911

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.