Organic Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
You might need Meadowsweet...
Do you have a general upset stomach or nausea? Do you get heartburn? Are you plagued by general aches of the joints or headaches? If so, then you may benefit from using meadowsweet.
Meadowsweet is a perennial herb in the Rosaceae family. It can be found in damp meadows and along riverbanks. It is native to Europe, parts of Asia, and North America. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is known for its sweet, almond-like fragrance. It was revered by ancient Druids and Anglo-Saxons for its medicinal properties and aromatic qualities. The plant was commonly used to flavor mead, an alcoholic beverage, giving it the name "meadowsweet." In the 19th century, its significance grew when chemists isolated salicylic acid from meadowsweet, which later inspired the development of aspirin.
Benefits of Meadowsweet
Anti-inflammatory: Meadowsweet is a source of tannins and flavonoids like quercetin. These provide the body with antioxidants that provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Supports the body during pain: Meadowsweet is a natural source of salicin, the active ingredient in aspirin that is known for reducing pain. Unlike aspirin, meadowsweet is gentle on the digestive tract, and may even have potential benefits, like relieving indigestion.
Supports Digestion: Meadowsweet is known for its ability to promote digestion and ease nausea and diarrhea.
Common ways to use Meadowsweet
Culinary: Meadowsweet has a history of flavoring beverages like meads, and is also popular in flavoring jams and jellies
Medicinal: Due to its antioxidant and salicin content, meadowsweet is often used in:
- Tinctures
- Teas
Growing and Foraging Information
Meadowsweet is also known as “the queen of the meadow” due to its ability to take over areas. It can spread easily and quickly become invasive. It can be easy to grow. It likes wetland type conditions (very damp/moist soil) and partial sun.
Foraging for meadowsweet is for an advanced forager. It can be confused for little meadowsweet or some versions of wood honeysuckle, both of which can be toxic, and because of this we recommend foraging with a book or guide.
Safety Concerns
Due to the salicin content in meadowsweet, there is conflicting safety information. Many renowned herbalists say that historically and based on their own practices, that meadowsweet doesn’t thin the blood or cause gastrointestinal distress, but there are a few studies of the compounds in meadowsweet that suggest that the plant has heparin, an anticoagulant.
It is a common misconception that plants that contain salicin like meadowsweet have the same safety concerns as taking aspirin, which contains acetylsalicylic acid, a manmade, manufactured form of salicin. While aspirin is known to thin blood, cause gastrointestinal distress, and Reye’s syndrome, meadowsweet contains more than just acetylsalicylic acid. Those additional properties from the plant can actually support digestion, and many herbalists argue that it is safe for people young and old. There are no studies that show that meadowsweet is dangerous to children or that it is safe. If you are concerned about giving meadowsweet to your children, please consult your medical professional.
Due to its ability to support the body when in pain, it can be tempting to take high doses of meadowsweet. It should be noted that too much meadowsweet can cause nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. This is a very personal reaction and can vary from person to person and may not affect some at all.
Drug Interaction: If you are taking over the counter medications or prescription medications and want to know if they interact with meadowsweet, please consult your medical professional.
Breastfeeding and Pregnancy: There are no studies that show that meadowsweet is safe to take while pregnant or when breastfeeding. If you would like to try meadowsweet and are concerned, please contact your medical professional.
Other Concerns: Salicylates have the potential to affect iron metabolism and should be taken separately from supplements or meals when possible.
Select Studies about Meadowsweet
This study used the historical and anecdotal uses for meadowsweet to see if there is scientific data to match it. The current study concluded that the flavonoid and tannin compounds found in meadowsweet are partially responsible for the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have historically led people to use meadowsweet.
This comparative study looks at the anticoagulant properties of meadowsweet. Anticoagulant properties were displayed both in vivo and vitro.
How Earthley uses Meadowsweet
Pain Potion is formulated with those who struggle with tension headaches, muscle aches, and pain in mind, and to reduce inflammation and soothe pain away.
We made Pain Potion with all of those conditions in mind to help you live pain free! We combine five herbs to extract their anti-inflammatory, cooling, and soothing properties to help relax muscles and ease pain. We believe our bodies deserve to be pain free, including yours! Now with an alcohol-free option!
Reviews:
“I really can’t believe that this works as well as it does. I usually have to alternate Excedrin and ibuprofen for several doses to totally get rid of my headaches. After two doses of this Tincture (for a really bad headache) it’s gone without using anything else. I will usually take another dose or two after my headache is gone just to be sure it stays gone.”
“I bought a small bottle of this to try out and will absolutely be getting some more- and a larger one!- our daughter plays softball and this definitely helps her in the post game recovery, especially when she pitches. Amazing for headaches and all those little aches and pains of Mom life!”