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Along many of the hedgerows and meadows from June through to October you can see the creamy-white clouds of meadowsweet flowers. Meadowsweet aquired its’ name from its use in flavouring mead. It is the herb that gave its’ name to apirin ( from the old botanical name of Spirea ulmaria and many of it’s uses are similar. It contains salicylic acid, the active ingredient of aspirin and has an anti –inflammatory action. Combined with its’ mild pain killing qualities this makes it very useful in the treatment of joint or muscle inflammation. Its’ qualities do not stop there however; whereas aspirin can be very harsh on both the stomach and the kidneys, meadowsweet is both soothing and healing to both these organs. In fact, meadowsweet is often used to treat reflux and gastric ulcers, which may have originally been caused by regular use of aspirin! Meadowsweet is very good for calming an inflamed digestive tract from top to bottom. Unfortunately it does not seem to have the same blood-thinning effect that aspirin has – for that we need to turn to different herbs.

To use Meadowsweet collect the whole herb when it is full flower on a dry, sunny day after any moisture has dried away. This allows you to dry the herb without it spoiling although it is lively to use fresh. Hang up the bunches to dry in a warm, dry place out of the sun. When they are thoroughly dry remove the leaf and flowers from the stalks and store in a glass container with a tight fitting lid. All herbs should be stored in the dark, away from sunlight.

The easiest way to use Meadowsweet is to make a tea by using 1 tsp dried herb (2 tsp if using fresh) to a cup of boiling water. Let it infuse, covered, for about 10 mins before straining. Add honey if you wish to sweeten it. This herb makes a pleasant beverage but if you wish to use it therapeutically you will need to take at least 3 cups a day. Meadowsweet is a very safe herb for both adults and children but if you are taking any prescribed medication please contact a qualified herbalists for advice.

Christine is a fully qualified medical herbalist and has been practising in Tralee and Listowel for over 3 years. If you have any queries regarding this or any other herb or would like to make an appointment for a consultation, please phone her on 066 7132461 or 086 1939217

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