Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet, or Filipendula ulmaria in Latin, is a fragrant, perennial herb native to North/Central Asia and Europe.  In addition to its aesthetic properties, Meadowsweet is also useful in a number of household scenarios.

Meadowsweet Facts

Meadowsweet can also be found in North America, and survives amidst marshy, wet conditions alongside rushes and marshland grasses.  Also known as Queen of the Meadow, meadowsweet blooms through June to August, and is reddish brown in colour.  Meadowsweet is rarely used in ornamental gardening given its bland colour and appearance, and is more the reserve of the natural bogs and wild marshes where it likes to survive.  Like many plants, meadowsweet is said to possess beneficial properties, both medicinal and relaxational, endearing it to alternative therapists and 'old wives' the world over.

Appearance of Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet can be found growing amongst grasses and rushes, and is identifiable from its characteristic appearance. Meadowsweet can grow up to 120cm (48in) tall, and bears elongated, 'twiggy', disjointed stems, which are noticeably thicker than many other similar plants.  It produces soft flowers throughout the summer months which dark green and white on the underside.  Its leaves are sharply serrated, and are present in small clusters, emitting a highly perfumed aroma.  Interestingly, meadowsweet used to be added to beers and wines to create a more pungent drink.  Furthermore, it has earned legendary status with Druids as a sacred plant for its medicinal and healing purposes. 

Meadowsweet Uses

Meadowsweet is used largely as a diuretic, although it has a number of other medicinal purposes.  Distilled water from the flowers of the meadowsweet is said to calm itching and inflammation of the eyes.  Additionally, meadowsweet contains agents that actively work to promote urinary health, as well as working to clear the tracts. 

Meadowsweet has chemicals which naturally work together to produce aspirin, making it good for colds, influenza or bladder complaints.  In fact, meadowsweet can be used for any complaints one would normally treat with aspirin, given its natural occurrence within the plant itself.  On top of that, meadowsweet is said to contain properties which help ease insomnia, and promote lengthy sleep and relaxation, depending on the strength.  Many also consider meadowsweet to promote long life and prolonged health, although this is debated as uncertain, amongst enthusiasts and professionals. 

Meadowsweet Preparation

The best way to release the medicinal properties of meadowsweet is by infusing in almost boiled water.  Take the plant and separate the leaves from the stem.  Isolate the leaves and dry in a shaded area.  Mix 50g of dried leaves with one and a half pints of almost boiling water and cover for ten minutes.  Strain through cloth, and drink three to four times a day as required.  Make sure the water isn't boiling for infusion to avoid losing certain beneficial chemicals in the steam.  This infusion is not only great for treating urinary complaints, but also helps with diarrhoea and flatulence.  Alternatively, bathing in meadowsweet is thought to be beneficial for helping alleviate sores and burns.  Consuming meadowsweet is the best method for treating most ailments, and bathing is said to be best for relaxation and treating external complaints.