Meadowsweet

Common names: Meadowsweet also is known as queen of the meadow, dropwort, bridewort, and lady of the meadow.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Meadowsweet?

Meadowsweet is a herbaceous perennial shrub native to Europe, but also grows in North America. Meadowsweet's aromatic, ornamental wildflowers are creamy, yellow-white, and have an aroma reminiscent of oil of wintergreen. The dried herb consists of flower petals and some unopened buds, which are used as the drug.

What is Meadowsweet used for?

In 1597, Gerard mentioned how the smell of meadowsweet “delighteth the senses.” In 1652, Culpeper wrote about the plant's therapeutic effects on the stomach. In 1682, meadowsweet was mentioned in a Dutch herbal. Queen Elizabeth adorned her apartments with meadowsweet. The flowers were used to flavor alcoholic beverages in England and Scandinavian countries. In the Middle Ages, meadowsweet was known as “meadwort” because it was used to flavor “mead,” an alcoholic drink made by fermenting honey and fruit juices. In 1838, salicylic acid was isolated from the plant. In the 1890s, salicylic acid first was synthesized to make aspirin.� “Aspirin” is derived from “spirin,” based on meadowsweet's scientific name, “Spiraea.” The plant was used in folk medicine for cancer, tumors, rheumatism, skin diseases, diarrhea, and as a diuretic.

Meadowsweet is used as a digestive remedy for acid indigestion or peptic ulcers, as supportive therapy for colds and respiratory problems. Meadowsweet also is used as an analgesic for joint problems.

Meadowsweet is an herb that has been used for centuries and has been granted “approved” status by the German Commission E. It contains salicylate derivatives, which make it useful for analgesia. The plant has been used for cold therapy, GI disturbances, and joint problems. It also possesses bacteriostatic actions and antitumor activity. Definitive clinical studies are needed to fully understand the many medicinal uses of meadowsweet.

What is the dosage of Meadowsweet?

Doses of flower 2.5 to 3.5 g/day and herb 4 to 5 g are considered conventional. However, no clinical trials support the safety or efficacy of these dosages.

Is Meadowsweet safe?

Do not use in patients with salicylate or sulfite sensitivity. Use with caution in patients with asthma.

Documented adverse effects. Utero-activity also has been observed from meadowsweet in vitro, warranting avoidance during pregnancy and lactation.

None well documented.

German Commission E monographs lists no known side effects.

Few toxic events have been reported.”

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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