Meadowsweet is the common name of Filipendula ulmaria species, from Rosaceae family.
Also known as: meadow wort, meadow queen, bridewort.
Meadowsweet flowers
Image credit: hipherb
View larger image
Features of Meadowsweet
Height to 24-48 inches. Spread to 24 inches. Zone 3-9. Perennial.
crescent-shaped, light-brown seed.
dark-green, pinnate, scented, toothed leaf.
almond-scented, clustered, cream-colored flower.
Growing Meadowsweet
- by root division during autumn.
- by seed during spring and autumn. Sow seeds preferably in autumn, for wintering.
This sweet-smelling herb is a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, who had it strew across the floors of her chambers.
Meadowsweet was also popular at weddings and were made into bridal garlands.
Flowers are used to flavour alcoholic beverages as well as syrup.
Meadowsweet's biggest contribution to modern medicine is probably its evolution into a painkiller.
Drugmaker Bayer isolated the key ingredient salicylic acid from the herb, turning it into what we know today as the Aspirin.
Using Meadowsweet
Culinary
Drink
Add flavour to beers and wines. (Use flower)
Soup
Add a special flavour to soups. (Use leaf)
Household
Fragrance
Add dried flowers and leaves to potpourri. (Use leaf, flower)
Medicinal
Medicine
The buds contain salicylic acid, which can be synthesized into aspirin. (Use flower)
Tea
A tea for heartburn and gastric ulcers. May be helpful also for feverish cold, arthritis, and diarrhea. (Use flower)
Traditional Remedies
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using meadowsweet for health related purposes.
){kind=link}