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Photo of Filipendula ulmaria

© Christian Fischer · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons

Filipendula ulmaria

Caution

Echtes Mädesüß · (Filipendula ulmaria)

Rose family (Rosaceae)

Description

The intensely sweet, spicy scent of meadowsweet's dense creamy-white flower clusters gives the plant its name and draws it to damp meadows and streambanks through its June-to-August flowering season. The flowering herb is harvested and is notably rich in flavonoids, tannins and salicylate-like compounds such as spiraeoside. The Commission E monograph describes flower preparations for feverish colds, while the herb is traditionally also used for digestive complaints and applied externally for joint discomfort. Because of its natural salicylate content, anyone with known aspirin or NSAID intolerance should avoid it entirely, as should people with peptic ulcers. In children and adolescents under 12 with feverish viral infections such as influenza or chickenpox, salicylate-containing preparations should not be used because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.

  • TeaFlowerInternalCommission E

    Flower infusion for feverish colds and influenza-like illness — Kommission E positive monograph based on natural salicylate compounds.

    Preparation & dosage

    FLOWER INFUSION (Kommission E): 2–3 g dried meadowsweet flowers in 250 ml boiling water, covered, steep 10 min, strain. 3–4× daily, warm, combined with adequate fluid intake during feverish colds. Daily dose 6–9 g. Kommission E rates use in common colds as positive. Effect attributed to natural salicylate compounds (spiraeosides, salicylaldehyde) — weaker than synthetic ASA but gentler. Do NOT use with known salicylate hypersensitivity, ASA/NSAID-induced asthma. Not for children under 12 with fever (Reye syndrome risk). Duration: max. 2 weeks without medical supervision.

    Dry amount
    2–3 g
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Not for children under 12 with fever — Reye syndrome risk from salicylates. Kommission E monograph applies to adults and adolescents from age 12.

    Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

  • TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

    Traditional herb tea from flowering meadowsweet for digestive complaints and mild joint discomfort — EMA traditional use.

    Preparation & dosage

    HERB TEA (Herba Filipendulae ulmariae): 4–6 g dried flowering meadowsweet herb (leaves + flowers) in 500 ml boiling water, covered, steep 12–15 min, strain. Divide daily dose into 3 cups after meals. Traditional use (EMA traditional) for GI complaints (nausea, mild cramps, acid belching) and adjunctively for mild joint complaints. Astringent tannins (ellagitannins) calm the gastric mucosa; salicylates contribute anti-inflammatory activity. CAUTION: meadowsweet contains salicylates — do not use with gastric ulcers or erosive gastritis, as salicylates may irritate mucosa. Not simultaneously with warfarin or anticoagulants. Max. 4 weeks without physician.

    Dry amount
    4–6 g
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    4 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — From age 12. Contraindicated in children under 12 due to Reye syndrome risk.

    Sources: [2] [3] [4] [6]

  • TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use

    Traditional meadowsweet herb tincture as mild analgesic and antipyretic — alternative to tea when ethanol is acceptable.

    Preparation & dosage

    TINCTURE (DAC, 1:5 in 25–45 % ethanol): 2–4 ml (~40–80 drops) 3× daily, stirred into water, after meals. Daily dose 6–12 ml tincture. Traditionally used as antirheumatic and analgesic for mild joint and muscle pain, and for fever reduction. Ethanol-based preparation extracts salicylate glycosides and phenolic compounds (spiraeosid, rutin) more efficiently than plain water. Not for children, not in pregnancy/lactation. Avoid concurrent anticoagulant use (warfarin, phenprocoumon).

    Liquid amount
    2–4 ml
    Doses per day
    3×
    Max duration
    3 weeks

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults only. Ethanol content and salicylates exclude children.

    Sources: [3] [4] [5]

  • BathAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

    Folk meadowsweet herbal bath for rheumatic complaints and muscle soreness — aromatic and warming.

    Preparation & dosage

    HERBAL BATH / PARTIAL BATH: 100–150 g dried meadowsweet herb (or fresh flowers and leaves) in 3 litres boiling water, covered, steep 20 min, strain, add decoction to bath water (36–38 °C). Full bath 15–20 min, partial bath (hands, feet, knees) 10–15 min. Folk use for rheumatic joint complaints, muscle soreness, gout, and as a relaxing aromatic bath. Aromatic flower scent (salicylaldehyde, methyl salicylate) contributes to wellbeing. CAUTION: salicylates may be absorbed transdermally — avoid with known salicylate hypersensitivity or open skin wounds. Avoid full baths in hypertension, heart failure, or varicose veins (consult doctor).

    Dry amount
    100–150 g

    Sources: [5] [6] [7]

  • TeaFlowerInternalFolk medicine

    Gentle flower infusion used in folk medicine as irrigation therapy for UTIs, for heartburn, and as a diaphoretic.

    Preparation & dosage

    GENTLE FLOWER INFUSION (folk): 1–2 tsp dried meadowsweet flowers in 200 ml hot (not boiling, ~85 °C) water, steep 6–8 min — shorter steeping for a mild, aromatic-almond flavour. Strain, light honey possible. 1–2 cups daily. Folk use as a mild diuretic adjunct for mild UTIs (irrigation therapy with plenty of water), for heartburn, and as a mild diaphoretic. The salicylaldehyde scent of the flowers is the most characteristic identifying feature. No long-term self-treatment of UTIs without medical evaluation.

    Dry amount
    1–2 g
    Doses per day
    2×
    Max duration
    2 weeks

    Sources: [5] [6] [8]

  • CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine

    Folk meadowsweet herb compresses for gout, rheumatism, bruises, and insect stings.

    Preparation & dosage

    COMPRESS / POULTICE: 10–15 g dried meadowsweet herb (leaves + flowers) in 300 ml boiling water, covered 15 min, strain. Cool to body temperature (~37 °C). Soak clean linen or cotton cloth in infusion, wring out, apply to painful area (joint, muscles) for 20–30 min. Folk use for gout, rheumatism, bruises, and minor wounds. Applied cool also for insect bites and mild sunburn. Tannins act astringent and mildly antiseptic; salicylates contribute to local relief. Not on open wounds or inflamed weeping skin.

    Dry amount
    10–15 g

    Sources: [5] [6] [7]

  • SpiceFlowerInternalFolk medicine

    Culinary use of meadowsweet flowers as an aromatic plant — beverages, desserts, jams; historically for mead and ale flavouring.

    Preparation & dosage

    CULINARY AND BEVERAGES: Fresh meadowsweet flowers have an intense almond-salicylaldehyde aroma — ideal for flavouring. Uses: (1) add fresh plucked flowers to white wine or apple juice, cold-infuse 2–4 h → aromatic summer drink; (2) briefly heat flowers in cream (do not boil), strain → panna cotta base; (3) dry flowers as a spice in jams, jellies and compotes; (4) fresh flowers as edible decoration on desserts and salads; (5) layer flowers with sugar in a jar → meadowsweet sugar (1–2 weeks in fridge); (6) historically used to flavour mead (hence the name 'meadowsweet') and ale. Use sparingly — intense flavour. Persons with salicylate sensitivity should avoid.

    Sources: [6] [7] [8]

Distribution in Europe

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