Meadowsweet

Also known as: Filipendula Ulmaria, Barbe de Bouc, Dropwort, Racine de Gravier, Bridewort

Sacred wild flower for the Druids, Meadowsweet is a perennial herb, indigenous to Europe and Asia and naturalized in America. Having a pleasant almond aroma, Meadowsweet is used as a flavoring agent in vinegar, wine and beer, as a fragrance in potpourri but also as an ingredient in jams. Its medicinal properties are due to the high content in tannins, responsible for decreasing inflammation and reducing mucus (phlegm) and to the salicylates content, triggering analgesic effects similar to aspirin.

Useful in headaches, colds and bronchitis, Meadowsweet can also help with bladder infections, by killing germs and increasing urine output. Relieving the pain and discomfort in the stomach, Meadowsweet is a good choice in ulcers, acid reflux, upset stomach, diarrhea and gastrointestinal tract infections. Hot Meadowsweet infusion can decrease fever, having cooling and diaphoretic characteristics. Promoting circulation and reducing swelling, Meadowsweet can be a remedy in joint disorders, rheumatism and gout. Research shows that local administration of Meadowsweet ointment can be used for the prevention of uterine cervical cancer and for the treatment of precancerous changes.

Unsafe for pregnant women as it can cause contractions of the uterus leading to miscarriage, Meadowsweet must also be avoided by people suffering from asthma as it can determine lung spasm. Another concern worth mentioning is for people with aspirin allergy, who should avoid Meadowsweet administration. Meadowsweet interacts with aspirin, pain medication, Trisilate (choline magnesium trisalicylate) and Salsalate (disalcid) and might increase their side effects.