July 3, 2002

MEADOWSWEET

Latin Name: Filipendula ulmaria

Alternate Names: Queen Of The Meadow, Bridewort, Pride Of The Meadow, Spireae

Family: ROSACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Analgesic, Antacid, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Urinary Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Sedative, Stomach Tonic.

Internal Uses: Arteriosclerosis, Arthritis, Cellulitis, Cervicitis, Colds, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Edema, Epilepsy, Fever, Flu, Gastritis, Gout, Headache, Heartburn, Hyperacidity, Insomnia, Nausea, Pain, Prostatitis, Pulmonary Edema, Rheumatism, Ulcers, Urinary Infections, Vaginitis

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

It is a mild antispasmodic and sedative. Meadowsweet is a forerunner of aspirin as salicylic acid was first synthesized from Meadowsweet in 1835. It is gentler on the stomach than aspirin because Meadowsweet naturally contains buffering agents. Meadowseet clears heat and reduces inflammation. It soothes mucus membranes in the digestive tract and reduces acidity.

Topical Uses: Conjunctivitis, Eye Soreness, Rheumatism

Topical Applications: Eyewash for conjunctivitis and sore eyes. Compress for rheumatic joints. Oil from buds used in perfume. Flowers are soaked in rainwater as a complexion water. The flowers are used as paint brushes. Potpourri.

Culinary uses: Flowers impart an almond fragrance to jam, stewed fruit and wine. Leaves are added to soups. The Shakers used this herb in beer brewing as it enabled them to use less sugar.

Energetics: Bitter, Cool.

Chemical Constituents: Essential oil (salicyladehyde, methylsalicylate, hyperoside), salicylic acid, spireine, gaultherine, spiraeoside, flavonoids (rutin, spiraeoside), vanillin, glycoside, mucilage, tannin, coumarins, vitamin C.

Contraindications: Avoid if sensitive to salicylates, such as those in aspirin.

Comments: The name Meadowsweet is from an earlier name 'meadwort' as Meadowsweet has long been used to flavor mead. Meadowsweet was a sacred herb amongst the Druids. In 1597, John Gerard said of Meadowsweet in his Herball, 'the smell therof makes the heart merry and joyful and delighteth the senses'. It was used as a strewing herb during the reign of Elizabeth I.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), July 03, 2002