Meadowsweet
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Meadowsweet is found in northern and southern Europe, North America, and northern Asia. The flowers and flowering top are primarily used in herbal preparations, although there are some historical references to using the root.
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3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
1 Star Common Cold and Sore Throat Refer to label instructions | Meadowsweet is reputed to break fevers and to promote sweating during a cold or flu. It also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect and a pain-relieving effect. has been used historically for a wide variety of conditions. It is reputed to break fevers and to promote sweating during a cold or flu. Meadowsweet contains salicylates, which possibly give the herb an aspirin-like effect, particularly in relieving aches and pains during a common cold. While not as potent as willow, which has a higher salicin content, the salicylates in meadowsweet do give it a mild anti-inflammatory effect and the potential to reduce fevers during a cold or flu. However, this role is based on historical use and knowledge of the chemistry of meadowsweet’s constituents; to date, no human studies have been completed with meadowsweet. |
1 Star Influenza Refer to label instructions | The salicylates in meadowsweet give it a mild anti-inflammatory effect and the potential to reduce fevers during a cold or flu. While not as potent as willow, which has a higher salicin content, the salicylates in do give it a mild anti-inflammatory effect and the potential to reduce fevers during a cold or flu. However, this role is based on historical use and knowledge of the chemistry of meadowsweet’s constituents; to date, no human studies have been completed with meadowsweet. |
1 Star Osteoarthritis Refer to label instructions | Meadowsweet has been historically used to treat complaints of the joints and muscles. The herb contains salicylates, chemicals related to aspirin, that may account for its ability to relieve osteoarthritis pain. was historically used for a wide variety of conditions, including treating complaints of the joints and muscles. The herb contains salicylates, chemicals related to aspirin, that may account for its reputed ability to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. |
1 Star Rheumatoid Arthritis Refer to label instructions | Meadowsweet has been used historically for a wide variety of conditions, including treating rheumatic complaints of the joints and muscles. was used historically for a wide variety of conditions, including treating rheumatic complaints of the joints and muscles. |
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
Meadowsweet was used historically by herbalists for a wide variety of conditions, including treating rheumatic complaints of the joints and muscles.1 Nicholas Culpeper, a 17th-century English pharmacist, mentioned its use to help break fevers and promote sweating during a cold or flu. Traditional herbal references also indicate its use as a diuretic for people with poor urinary flow. It was also thought to have antacid properties and was used by herbalists to treat stomach complaints, including heartburn.
How It Works
While the flowers are high in flavonoids, the primary constituents in meadowsweet are the salicylates, including salicin, salicylaldehyde, and methyl salicylate.2 In the digestive tract, these compounds are oxidized into salicylic acid, a substance that is closely related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). While not as potent as willow, which has a higher salicin content, the salicylates in meadowsweet may give it a mild anti-inflammatory effect and ability to reduce fevers during a cold or flu. However, this role is only based on historical use and knowledge of the chemistry of meadowsweet’s constituents, and to date, no human trials have examined the therapeutic potential of meadowsweet.
How to Use It
The German Commission E monograph recommends 2.5–3.5 grams of the flower or 4–5 grams of the herb—often in a tea or infusion—per day.3 Unfortunately, to achieve an aspirin-like effect, one would realistically need to consume about 50–60 grams of meadowsweet daily. This means that willow bark extracts standardized to salicin are a far more practical as a potential herbal substitute for aspirin for minor aches and pains or mild fevers. Tinctures, 2–4 ml three times per day, may alternatively be used.
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Certain medicines interact with this supplement.
Replenish Depleted Nutrients
none
Reduce Side Effects
none
Support Medicine
none
Reduces Effectiveness
none
Potential Negative Interaction
- Bismuth Subsalicylate
Bismuth subsalicylate contains salicylates. Various herbs including (Filipendula ulmaria), poplar (Populus tremuloides),willow(Salix alba), and wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) contain salicylates as well. Though similar to aspirin, plant salicylates have been shown to have different actions in test tube studies. Furthermore, salicylates are poorly absorbed and likely do not build up to levels sufficient to cause negative interactions that aspirin might. No reports have been published of negative interactions between salicylate-containing plants and aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs. Therefore concerns about combining salicylate-containing herbs remain theoretical, and the risk of causing problems appears to be low.
Explanation Required
none
Side Effects
People with sensitivity to aspirin should avoid the use of meadowsweet. It should not be used to lower fevers in children as it may possibly lead to Reye’s syndrome.
1. Zeylstra H. Filipendila ulmaria. Br J Phytotherapy 1998;5:8-12.
2. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 191-2.
3. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 169.
Last Review: 05-24-2015
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