Materia Medica | Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

Meadowsweet

Rosaceae (Rose) Family

Other Names: Bridewort, Dropwort, Meadow Queen, Meadow-wort, Queen of the Meadow

Parts Used: Aerial (all parts above ground)

Principal Constituents: Salicylaldehyde (up to 70% depending on soil), ethylsalicylate, methylsalicylate, phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, coumarin, vitamin C

Main actions: anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, carminative, antacid, antiemetic, astringent, antioxidant

Contraindications: Meadowsweet should be avoided when a salicylate allergy is present

There are so many wonderful benefits to this friendly herb, but Meadowsweet is famously utilized for digestive concerns and rheumatic pain. Like most herbs in the Rosaceae family, Meadowsweet is astringent and helpful for diarrhea and heavy menstruation - but it is also highly soothing to the mucosal tissue of the GI tract. This, in combination with it’s antacid and antirheumatic actions, make it an incredible ally when treating peptic ulcers and acid-sensitive GI complaints such as nausea and gastritis.

Meadowsweet is also rich in salicylates, making it a powerful tool in the broader treatment of fevers and rheumatic pain.

We most commonly utilize Meadowsweet in custom formulations, and often reach for it when clients are seeking holistic treatment for GI issues such as gastritis!