Meadowsweet Herb, Flowers and Powder Profile
Also known as- Filipendula ulmaria, Dropwort, Bridewort, and Queen of the Meadow
Introduction
Meadowsweet is one of the most common herbs, growing wild throughout Europe and Asia, and naturalized to grow throughout North America's Eastern coast. It was one of the three sacred herbs renowned by Druids, along with vervain and water-mint. Its historical medicinal uses are confirmed enough that it is licensed as a standard medicinal tea in Germany, where it is used as a treatment for fever and common colds, and appears as an ingredient in herbal preparations for treating influenza, rheumatism and kidney and bladder complaints.
Constituents
salicin, polyphenolic tannins, especially rugosin-D; 0.5-1.0% flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives; phenolic glycosides, mostly spiraein and monotropitin, the primeverosides of salicylaldehyde and methyl salicylate, also isosalicin, a glucoside of salicyl alcohol; volatile oil, mainly; mucilage; and ascorbic acid
Parts Used
Leaves and aerial parts for medicine, and usually the flowers for flavoring
Typical Preparations
In tea infusions, as a capsule or extract and sometimes included in food. The flowers are used as a natural sweetener for teas, foods and other beverages.
Summary
Meadowsweet has a long tradition of use in folk medicine as a treatment for coughs and colds. Its astringent and demulcent properties have been borne out by research, and the German government recognizes meadowsweet tea as a treatment for colds and coughs. Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, the main constituent in aspirin, and has its analgesic and fever-reducing properties. Meadowsweet is also traditionally used to relieve pain associated with rheumatism, menstrual cramps, headache, arthritis and low grad fever. It also seems to be effective against bacteria that causes diarrhea and may inhibit blood clotting.
Precautions
Since meadowsweet contains small amounts of salicilate, it should not be used by people with a sensitivity to aspirin or similar products. For the same reason, it should not be used by children under the age of sixteen with high fevers, particularly if the cause may be viral, because of the rare but very real risk of Reyes syndrome. It is not recommended for use by those taking blood thinning medications.
