Meadowsweet - Σπειραία - Filipendula Ulmaria
Each pack contains ½ cup (125ml) of the Herb. The weight varies due to the density of each herb.
Basic Medicinal Properties:
Meadowsweet is a renowned medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and digestive-supporting properties. It helps relieve pain, soothe the stomach, support joint health, and reduce fever. Traditionally, it has been used for its cooling, calming, and purifying effects on the body.
Additional Details
Natural Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Meadowsweet contains salicylates, the natural compounds that inspired the development of aspirin. It has been used for centuries to relieve headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, and rheumatic conditions while being gentler on the stomach than synthetic pain relievers.
Supports Digestive Health and Reduces Acidity
Meadowsweet is one of the best herbs for soothing acid reflux, heartburn, gastritis, and ulcers. Unlike aspirin, which can irritate the stomach lining, meadowsweet protects and calms the digestive system, making it a valuable remedy for digestive discomfort.
Reduces Fever and Supports Immune Function
Traditionally used as a febrifuge (fever-reducing herb), meadowsweet helps lower fevers naturally while providing immune-boosting support. It was often used in herbal cold and flu remedies.
Aids in Detoxification and Kidney Health
Meadowsweet acts as a gentle diuretic, helping to flush out excess fluids and toxins from the body. This makes it beneficial for kidney and urinary tract health, supporting conditions such as water retention and mild urinary infections.
Promotes Joint and Muscular Health
With its anti-inflammatory effects, meadowsweet is commonly used to ease joint stiffness, arthritis, and muscle aches. It has been valued in traditional medicine as a remedy for gout and rheumatic conditions.
Rich in Antioxidants and Skin-Soothing Properties
Meadowsweet is high in flavonoids, tannins, and vitamin C, which support overall vitality and protect against oxidative stress. It has also been used externally for skin inflammation, rashes, and minor wounds.
About the Herb
Historical and Folklore Uses
Meadowsweet has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to ancient Celtic and Anglo-Saxon times. The Druids revered it as one of their most sacred herbs, using it in healing rituals and as an offering to the gods.
During the medieval period, meadowsweet was commonly strewn across floors in homes and banquet halls due to its pleasant aroma and antimicrobial properties. It was also used in brewing traditional herbal meads and ales.
In the 19th century, chemists discovered that meadowsweet contained salicylic acid, leading to the creation of modern aspirin. Unlike synthetic aspirin, however, the whole plant extract is known to be gentle on the stomach.
Folklore and Symbolism
Meadowsweet has been associated with love, peace, and protection. In Celtic tradition, it was believed to bring harmony to relationships and was included in wedding bouquets to symbolise happiness and fidelity.
It was also thought to have magical properties, with some folklore suggesting that carrying meadowsweet could bring good fortune and shield against negative energies.
Culinary and Traditional Uses
Meadowsweet flowers were historically used to flavour meads, wines, and cordials.
The leaves and flowers have been brewed into herbal teas for digestive and pain relief.
In traditional herbal medicine, meadowsweet was infused into ointments and washes for soothing skin conditions.
Interesting Facts
Meadowsweet is one of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids, along with water mint and vervain.
The name Filipendula refers to the way its roots hang in clusters, resembling pendants.
Queen Elizabeth I was said to favour meadowsweet for perfuming her chambers.
Despite containing salicylates, meadowsweet is known to be non-irritating to the stomach, unlike synthetic aspirin.