Meadowsweet


Meadowsweet

A genus of about ten species of rhizomatous perennials, found mostly in moist or boggy soils throughout northern temperate regions. Several species are popular ornamentals, especially for waterside planting. Filipendula ulmaria (meadowsweet) has an aromatic rootstock and the foliage yields and aroma of wintergreen when crushed. The common name derives from "meadwort", meaning an herb ("wort") used to flavor mead and beer, not from the plant's habitat in meadows. Meadowsweet was one of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids the others being Mentha aquatica (See, Water Mint), and Verbena officinalis (See, Vervain). It was important as a strewing herb in medieval times: "the smell thereof make the heart merrie and joyful and delighteth the senses" (Gerard, The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes, 1597). In common with many other plants, meadowsweet contains salicylates, aspirin-like compounds that reduce inflammation and releive pain. Unlike aspirin, which is highly irritant to the lining of the digestive tract, causing gastric ulceration, plant salicylates are bound with other substances that act together to protect and heal the tissues. This is a good example of synergistic effect, whereby the whole herb has different properties from isolated constituents. Formerly included in the genus Spiraea, it was from F. ulmaria, and not from willow, as is often stated, that the glycoside salicin was first isolated in 1838. This substance was later (in 1899) synthesized as acetylsalicycic acid, "aspirin", a named derived from the plant's older name Spiraea ulmaria.

A member of the rose family, this sweet-smelling, fuzzy white flower was one of the three most important herbs of the Druids. It contains aspirin-like chemicals that help reduce fever and relieve pain and is also used to soothe the digestive tract, reduce excess acidity, and ease nausea. In various studies, the herb has demonstrated the ability to destroy bacteria, control oxidation, and help keep the blood thin and less likely to clot unnecessarily.

Clump forming perrenial, with irregularly pinnate, toothed, deeply veined leaves divided into 2-5 pairs of leaflets to 8cm (3in) long. Creamy white, almond-scented flowers are borne in dense corymbs in summer.


Common Name:
Meadowsweet
Other Names:
Bridewort, Dolloff, Dropwort, Meadsweet, Queen of the Meadow
Botanical Name:
Filipendula ulmaria
Genus:
Filipendula
Family:
Rosaceae
Native Location:
Europe, and W Asia
Cultivation:
Rich, moisture-retentive to wet soil in sun or partial shade. Dislikes acid soil; prone to powdery mildew in dry conditions.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn and left to overwinter, or in spring at 10-13°C (50-55°F); by division in autumn or spring; by root cuttings from late winter to early spring.
Harvest:
Plants are cut as flowering begins and dried for use in tablets, infusions, decoctions, liquid extracts, and tinctures. Flowers may be gathered seperately to make infusions.
Variations:
Aurea
Has yellow new foliage, turning pale golden-green in summer. It is less vigorous than the species and scorches in full sun.
Height: 30-45cm (12-18in)
Width: 30cm (12in)

Flore Pleno
Has long-lasting, double flowers.

Variegata
Has leaves irregularly splashed with yellow, fading to cream in summer.
Height:
60cm-1.2m (2-4ft)
Width:
60cm (2ft)
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Whole Plant, flowers
Properties:
An astringent, aromatic, antacid herb that heals, soothes, and relieves pain, especially in the joints and digestive tract. It is effective against organism causing diphtheria, dysentery, and pneumonia.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for hyperacidity, heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcers, for which meadowsweet is among the most effective of plant remedies. Also for diarrhea in children, dysentery, rheumatic and joint pains, influenza, and cystitis. Combined with Althaea officinalis (See, Marshmallow) and Melissa offinalis (See, Balm Melissa) for gastric complaints.
To treat cough, bronchitis, gout, headaches, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, and rheumatism of the joints. Germany's Commission E has approved the use of meadowsweet flower to treat cough, bronchitis, colds and fever and the use of meadowsweet herb to treat cough and bronchitis.
Warning:
Not given to patients with hypersensitivity to salicylates (aspirin).
Typical Dose:
A typical daily dose of meadowsweet may range from 2.5 to 3.5 gm of meadowsweet flower or 4 to 5 gm of meadowsweet herb.
Possible Side Effects:
Meadowsweet's more common side effects (flower or herb) include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions:
Taking meadowsweet with these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising:
Abciximab, (ReoPro)
Antithrombin III, (Thrombate III)
Argatroban, (Argatroban)
Aspirin, (Bufferin, Ecotrin)
Bivalirudin, (Angiomax)
Celecoxib, (Celebrex)
Dalteparin, (Fragmin)
Danaparoid, (Orgaran)
Enoxaparin, (Lovenox)
Etodolac, (Lodine, Utradol)
Fondaparinux, (Arixtra)
Heparin, (Hepalean, Hep-Lock)
Ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin)
Indomethacin, (Indocin, Novo-Methacin)
Ketoprofen, (Orudis, Rhodis)
Ketorolac, (Acular, Toradol)
Lepirudin, (Refludan)
Meloxicam, (MOBIC, Mobicox)
Naproxen, (Aleve, Naprosyn)
Piroxicam, (Feldene, Nu-Pirox)
Rofecoxib, (Vioxx)
Ticlopidine, (Alti-Ticlopidine, Ticlid)
Tinzaparin, (Innohep)
Urokinase, (Abbokinase)
Warfarin, (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Taking meadowsweet with these drugs may interfere with absorption of the drug:
Ferric Gluconate, (Ferrlecit)
Ferrous Fumarate, (Femiron, Feostat)
Ferrous Gluconate, (Fergon, Novo-Ferrogluc)
Ferrous Sulfate, (Feratab, Fer-Iron)
Ferrous Sulfate and Ascorbic Acid, (FeroGrad 500, Vitelle Irospan)
Iron-Dextran Complex, (Dexferrum, INFeD)
Polysaccharide-Iron Complex, (Hytinic, Niferex)
Culinary Uses:
Flowers are preserved as syrup or used to flavor stewed fruits.
Economic Uses:
Flowers and Leaves are used to flavor herbal beers and liqueurs and non-alcoholic herbal drinks, such as Norfolk Punch.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 214
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD Pp 338-339