Where does the Meadowsweet come from?
Meadowsweet is easily recognized by its reddish stem, branching, white flowers, dark green leaves and helix-wrapped fruits. It grows in humid and semi-shaded places, near small streams and swamps.
In the Middle Ages, the Meadowsweet was nicknamed “bee grass“. At that time, it was used to relieve rheumatism and lower fever. In the XVIIe century, it was used to treat people with the virus of the flu and soothe heartburn. It is in the XIXe century that chemists began to study meadowsweet. They isolated thesalicylic acida component that is also found in white willow… and in aspirin!
What are the benefits of meadowsweet?
Meadowsweet is known worldwide for its virtues:
- Analgesics and anti-inflammatories: this plant relieves fever as well as joint, muscle and dental pain.
- Diuretics and draining: the Meadowsweet is able to fight against the Water retention, edema or cellulite. Consumed as an infusion, it is ideal to accompany weight loss. At the same time, it increases the amount of urine in the body and stimulates kidney function.
- Astringents: this plant is composed of approximately 15% tannins. It has the ability to tighten the tissues and therefore promote healing. It can be used in case of gingivitisofcanker sore or even a cut.
What are the forms of use of meadowsweet?
If you want to enjoy the benefits of meadowsweet, this plant is commercially available in different forms:
- Herbal tea : pour a tablespoon of dried flowers into 25 cl of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. You can drink up to three or four cups a day.
- Capsules and tablets: swallow up to six capsules daily in a large glass of water with breakfast and lunch.
- The powder : Dilute a teaspoon in a large glass of water. This preparation should be drunk during meals and as part of a balanced diet.
- The mother tincture: consume 25 drops in a glass of water and repeat up to three times a day.
The dosages above are given as an indication. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a professional to adjust the dosage!
What are the contraindications of Meadowsweet?
There are only a few side effects in the context of consumption respecting the recommended quantities.
The Meadowsweet is however not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as people allergic to plants of the Rosaceae family (hawthornmountain ash, etc.).
Source :
- Medicinal Plants at Home: More Than 100 Easy, Practical, and Efficient Natural RemediesMaría Tránsito López Luengo and Carlota Máñez, Simon and Schuster, 2015
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