Meadowsweet is a clustered white flower herb. It is also a native herb in Europe and found in North America and Northern Asia. Its scientific name is Filipendula ulmaria. Some of the common names for meadowsweet are dropwort, bridewort, Dolloff, queen of the meadow, lady of the meadow, and mead wort.
Meadowsweet grows in a damp environment and in marshy areas like meadows. And the white flowers and green stems have a strong and sweet fragrance. That is the reason it has earned the name meadowsweet.
In addition, it has been used for centuries for preparing traditional medicines. It is also commonly used in tea to treat colds, heartburn, joint pains, and inflammation.
Meadowsweet Herb Uses
Meadowsweet herb contains two key plant compounds that have beneficial effects on your body[1].
- Tannis like rugosins
- Flasonoids like quercetin and kaempferol
Both these compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These may also help to reduce swelling, decreases mucus level, and any other inflammation that contributes to discomfort.
Another healing effect is that these compounds act as a diuretic (water pills), which helps to get rid of water and salt from the body that makes the swelling worse.
Meadowsweet can help ease pain, similar to aspirin, as it also contains salicylic acid, which is commonly used to reduce pain levels.
Benefits Of Meadowsweet Herb
As a matter of fact, the meadowsweet herb has been used for decades in traditional medicine. Some of the benefits are supported by research, and some need more evidence to prove their effectiveness.
1. Common Cold And Sore Throat
Meadowsweet herb tea is an excellent remedy to treat cold and flu infections. It also helps in decreasing phlegm production and protects against inflammation.
2. Helps With An Upset Stomach
Traditionally, people have been using meadowsweet for centuries to treat upset stomach, heartburn, diarrhea, stomach bloating. It is believed that it helps in the soothing stomach lining and gastrointestinal tract due to its anti-microbial effect.
Moreover, some research studies show that it may have more digestive benefits if it is combined with other herbs like marshmallow root or chamomile.
3. Helps In Acne Treatment
Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid and tannin.
Salicylic acid [2] is used to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. It helps to improve acne, brown spots, and sun damage. While tannins have astringent properties that help to cleanse the skin and remove oil from pores.
Therefore, it is used in acne treatment to reduce pimples, redness, and inflammation.
4. Acts As Anti-Inflammatory
Studies suggest that meadowsweet can help to block xanthine oxidase[3].
Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme that produces uric acid which is a waste product in the blood and can further cause gout (a complex form of arthritis).
5. Helps Prevent Urinary Problems
Research studies show meadowsweet helps kill pathogens that cause urinary, bladder, and kidney infections due to its antimicrobial properties[4].
6. Has Anti-bacterial Effects
Some research also shows meadowsweet has antibacterial properties that may help to fight against bacteria like E. coli which causes food poisoning.
Further exploration is required to understand its potential uses better.
7. Other Benefits
In addition, benefits include acid indigestion, peptic ulcers, arthritis, rheumatism, skin disorder, bronchitis, joint disorder, gout.
Meadowsweet Herb Side Effects
Meadowsweet herb is also usually safe to consume if taken in recommended dosage. The only potential side effect is nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, etc.
Who Should Avoid It?
Pregnant and lactating women – Some research studies show that meadowsweet is unsafe for pregnant women as it contracts the uterus leading to miscarriage. But there is still not enough evidence about the safety and risk. It is also best to avoid it.
Asthma – Meadowsweet can potentially cause lung spasms/tightness, worsening asthma. Therefore, asthma patients should not consume it without consulting the doctor.
Aspirin Allergy – It can be unsafe for people who have an aspirin allergy, as it contains a chemical compound that is similar to aspirin.
How To Use Meadowsweet Herb?
Meadowsweet herb can be consumed in many ways like medicine (tincture), tea, dried herb, or as extracts.
Moreover, it can be used as a diffuser in your home as it has a pleasant floral smell.
In many countries, meadowsweet is used to flavor wine, beer, vinegar, jams, and desserts due to its sweet and aromatic flavor.
You can also use meadowsweet tea mixture for a foot bath. It indeed helps to ease foot pain and promotes circulation.
Meadowsweet Herb Tea
Herb tea is the most common way of consuming meadowsweet. Though there is no standard dosage, it is recommended that you can have 2-4 g/day of dried herb thrice a day.
Meadowsweet Herb Benefits For Skin
Meadowsweet herb is good for your skin in many ways.
- It may be used as a skin conditioner cosmetic, flower-filled with rainwater
- For treating inflammatory skin or acne.
- Used for preparing steam baths to relax.
- Used for preparing ointment.
The astringent properties help to remove oil from clogged pores and cleanse the skin tone. Many companies use meadowsweet herb in their skin creams and serums products with the claim to have healthy skin.
Meadowsweet Herb Taste
Meadowsweet has a pleasant sweet smell and taste. It is also common to put it on flavor in food items (like ice-creams and desserts) and drinks (like wine and other alcohol).
It is also common to use it as a sweet herb in tea.
Bottomline: Meadowsweet Herb Benefits
Meadowsweet is a rose family aromatic plant that has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been commonly used for decades for its medicinal properties.
Meadowsweet herb has similar properties as aspirin that help to ease the pain. It is also perfect for treating joint pain, colds, skin inflammation, and heartburn. Pregnant females, people with aspirin allergies, and people with asthma should not consume it without consulting a medical practitioner.
Always consult your healthcare professional before adding anything new to your diet.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Olennikov, D. N., Kashchenko, N. I., & Chirikova, N. K. (2016). Meadowsweet Teas as New Functional Beverages: Comparative Analysis of Nutrients, Phytochemicals and Biological Effects of Four Filipendula Species. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 22(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22010016
- Arif T. (2015). Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 8, 455–461. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S84765
- Kazazi, F., Halkes, S., Quarles Van Ufford, H., Beukelman, C., & van den Berg, A. (2009). Inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity by Filipendula species. Planta Medica, 75(09). https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1234328
- Farzaneh, Avishan & Hadjiakhoondi, Abbas & Khanavi, Mahnaz & Manayi, Azadeh & Bahramsoltani, Roodabeh & Kalkhorani, Mahdieh. (2022). Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (Meadowsweet): a Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy. 9. 10.22127/RJP.2021.302028.1781.
