Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Photo: © geograph.org.uk contributor · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Digestive
- 1 condition
- Licensed photo
Overview
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a perennial reaching about 5 ft (1.5 m), with toothed leaves and sweetly scented clusters of creamy-white flowers. Known historically as a strewing herb, meadowsweet contains salicylates akin to aspirin, which reduce pain and inflammation without causing the gastric side effects commonly attributed to aspirin.
Traditional uses & properties
Analgesic & Anti-Inflammatory: The salicylates relieve pain in arthritic and rheumatic conditions but do not thin the blood like aspirin. Antacid & Stomachic: Helps settle acid indigestion, reflux, and mild gastric issues. Mildly Diuretic: Supports kidneys in clearing acid byproducts, easing joint inflammation. Skin & Tissue Support: Contains silica beneficial for connective tissues, aiding skin and joint health.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
1,000-2,000 mg up to 3 times daily
4-8 ounces 1-4 times daily
Fresh leaf (1:2, 95% alcohol); dried leaf (1:5, 50% alcohol); 1-5 ml (0.2-1 tsp.) 1-4 times daily
Safety & precautions
Children with Fevers: Some herbalists advise against using meadowsweet in children with febrile illnesses (similar caution as with aspirin). Large Doses: Excess can cause nausea or vomiting. Allergy: Avoid if allergic to aspirin (salicylates).
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to Europe, meadowsweet thrives in damp places, ditches, and along streams. It can self-sow freely or be propagated by root division in autumn or spring. Leaves and flowering tops are collected in summer once the blossoms open.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) as follows: Analgesic & Anti-Inflammatory: The salicylates relieve pain in arthritic and rheumatic conditions but do not thin the blood like aspirin. Antacid & Stomachic: Helps settle acid indigestion, reflux, and mild gastric issues. Mildly Diuretic: Supports kidneys in clearing acid byproducts, easing joint inflammation. Skin & Tissue Support: Contains silica beneficial for connective tissues, aiding skin and joint health.
How is Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. POWDER OR CAPSULES: 1,000-2,000 mg up to 3 times daily STANDARD INFUSION: 4-8 ounces 1-4 times daily TINCTURE: Fresh leaf (1:2, 95% alcohol); dried leaf (1:5, 50% alcohol); 1-5 ml (0.2-1 tsp.) 1-4 times daily
What safety cautions apply to Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)?
Children with Fevers: Some herbalists advise against using meadowsweet in children with febrile illnesses (similar caution as with aspirin). Large Doses: Excess can cause nausea or vomiting. Allergy: Avoid if allergic to aspirin (salicylates).
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