Meadow Sweet

Species Name: Filipendula ulmaria.

Also known as: Bridewort, Meadowsweet, and Queen of the Meadow.

What is Meadow Sweet: Meadowsweet is native to Europe and grows easily in damp places like ditches and river and stream banks.

Leaves and flowers are harvested in summer, when the flowers open.

Home remedies using meadow sweet:

Benefits of Meadow Sweet:

Salicylates - The salicylates are aspirin-like substances, which help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain - for example, in arthritic conditions.

Protective combination - Unlike aspirin; which at high doses causes gastric ulceration, the combination of salicylates, tannins, and other constituents in meadowsweet acts to protect the inner lining of the stomach and intestines, while providing the anti-inflammatory benefit of the salicylates.

Meadowsweet illustrates well the fact that herbal medicines cannot be understood by simply considering their active constituents in isolation.

Active ingredients are flavonol glycoside, phenolic glycosides salicylates, volatile oil, and polypehnols.

Uses of Meadow Sweet:

Anti-inflammatory and painkiller used in musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis. It is this constituent which is used in the digestive system in conditions of excess acidity, for example, where there is indigestion caused by the over-production of acid.

Meadow Sweet is useful in treating stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. As a remedy for acid indigestion, it is not merely thought to reduce acidity, but to actively promote healing in the gut where there is inflammation.

It has long been used as a gentle remedy for diarrhea, and extolled specifically for children's diarrhea.

  • used for cystitis (bladder, or urinary infections)
  • safe remedy for diarrhea, even in children, and is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome

Use as an infusion, 200 ml (8 fl oz) three times a day for digestive disorders, use a double-strength infusion and take three times a day for diarrhea in adults. Take the tincture, 2 ml (40 drops) three times a day for arthritis complaints.

  • INFUSION - Take for feverish colds or rheumatic pains.   Also soothing for children's stomach upsets.
  • TINCTURE - Generally has a stronger action than the infusion. Add to remedies for gastric ulceration or excess acidity, such as licorice. Use with herbs such as angelica or willow for arthritis.
  • COMPRESS - Soak a pad in the dilute tincture, and apply to painful arthritic and rheumatic joints, or use for neuralgia.
  • EYEWASH - Cool and strain the infusion, and use for conjunctivitis and other eye complaints.

Side Effects of Meadow Sweet:

Meadowsweet may increase the risk of bleeding or potentiate the effects of blood thinners.

Meadowsweet may thin the blood. Do not exceed recommended dosage and use caution if you have an allergy to aspirin, based on the salicylate content. Excessive consumption may cause constipation.

Incidences of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity may be augmented by acetaminophen when concomitantly used with the potentially hepatotoxic herbs Echinacea and kava, and with herbs containing salicylate.