The Heal Benefits Of Meadowsweet - Spireaea Ulmaria

The Heal Benefits Of Meadowsweet - Spireaea Ulmaria
Other Common Names: Bridewort, Ergecsakali, European Meadowsweet, Queen Of The Meadow, Ulmaria, Filipendula ulmaria, Spireaea ulmaria

Range: throughout Europe, North America, and northern Asia.

Habitat: Wet ground in swamps, marshes, fens, wet woods and meadows, wet rock ledges and by rivers, but not on acid peats.

The name Ulmaria is given in allusion to the resemblance of its
leaves to those of the Elm (Ulmus), being much wrinkled on the upper
side.

Gerard says:
'It is reported that the floures boiled in wine and drunke do take away
the fits of a quartaine ague and make the heart merrie. The distilled
water of the floures dropped into the eies taketh away the burning and
itching thereof and cleareth the sight.'

Meadowsweet has a very long history of herbal use, it was one of the
three most sacred herbs of the Druids. The leaves and flowering stems
are alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent,
diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic and tonic. The plant is harvested in
July when it is in flower and can be dried for later use. The flower
head contains salicylic acid, from which the drug aspirin can be
synthesised. Unlike the extracted aspirin, which can cause gastric
ulceration at high doses, the combination of constituents in
meadowsweet act to protect the inner lining of the stomach and
intestines whilst still providing the anti-inflammatory benefits of
aspirin.

The herb is a valuable medicine in the treatment of diarrhea, indeed
it is considered almost specific in the treatment of children's
diarrhea. It is also considered to be a useful stomachic, being used to
treat hyperacidity, heartburn, gastritis and peptic ulcers, for which
it is one of the most effective plant remedies. It is also frequently
used in the treatment of afflictions of the blood. Meadowsweet is also
effective against the organisms causing diphtheria, dysentry and
pneumonia. This remedy should not be given to people who are
hypersensitive to aspirin.

A strong decoction of the boiled root is said to be effective, when used externally, in the treatment of sores and ulcers.

A homeopathic remedy is made fom the fresh root.

Known Hazards: Do not take Meadowsweet if you are sensitive to aspirin (salicylate).