Meadowsweet

Botanical name: Filipendula ulmaria
Family: Rose (Rosaceae)
Collectability: plentiful, common, good, weed

Main benefit
dried: strengthens heart, helps prevent stroke.
Contains methyl salicylate which changes into salicylic acid and salicylates of sodium, potassium and magnesium when dried. These salts are an antidote to uric acid (which causes gout) and oxalic acid (which causes kidney stones with uric acid). It has the benefit of aspirin (derivative) without the irritating effects on the gastric tract.

 Features and Identification

Habitat
Type: meadows, river banks, ditches
Distribution: throughout northern hemisphere
Prefers: moisture
Other: locally abundant

General
Growth type: herb
Cycle: perennial
Height: up to 1.2 meters
Other:

Leaf
Shape: pinnate
Texture: downy underside
Arrangement: 2 - 5 pairs with three-part terminal leaf
Edge: toothed
Other: pale underside

Stem
Colour: may be dark red
Texture: hairless

Flower
Diameter: 2-5 mm
Petals/sepals: 5-6
Arrangement: frothy clusters
Other: scent of fresh hay
Colour:

 Caution Notes

Contains methyl salicylate - not suitable for individuals with heightened sensitivity to aspirin

Contains traces of coumarin, especially when dried. Coumarin is a moderate kidney and liver toxin. Can cause headaches and suppress appetite. Coumarin is transformed by certain fungi into an anti-coagulant. Avoid if on drugs for circulatory conditions. Smells of fresh cut hay.

 When Available?

April to September
all year
June to September

 Culinary Use

Flavour
Rating and Description:
hint of vanilla

How to Consume
cooked, tea

Special preparation
Infusion: 40-50 g per litre. Should not be heated above 90° C, as boiling will drive off the salicylic acid.

Used as ...
flavouring, beverage
food, tea

 Medicinal Use

Action:
anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic, tonic
analgesic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, stomachic, tonic

May treat:
rheumatic conditions, gout, feverish conditions, kidney and bladder complaints (including cystitis, stones), oedema, cellulitis, cardiac complaints, arteriosclerosis, insomnia, hyperacidity, heartburn, gastritis, peptic ulcers
headaches

 Other Use

yellow dye
dye: grey to black brown with copper mordant
Plant: strewing herb, pot-pourri

 Collection, Storing and Notes

Collection
in flower, when fully open

Drying
In shade below 40°C
separate from stem

 Key

Plant parts:
leaf
stem or trunk
sap
root, bulb, tuber and other below ground parts
flower
fruit
seed

Use:
culinary use
medicinal use
household use

Other:
caution

 Glossary

General Glossary

• pinnate: with series of leaflets on each side of a central stalk

Glossary of Medicinal Terms and Nutritive Substances

• analgesic: relieves pain
• antiemetic: prevents nausea and vomiting
• anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc. (see also demulcent, emollient)
• antiseptic: prevents putrefaction (applied to wounds)
• aperient: mild laxative
• astringent: causes localised contraction of blood vessels and tissue, reducing the flow of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• depurative: eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood
• diaphoretic: promotes perspiration, aids the skin in elimination of toxins
• diuretic: increases secretion and elimination of urine
• stomachic: treats stomach disorders
• tonic: improves general health, bringing steady improvement

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