Meadowsweet

Now is a great time to harvest Meadowsweet (Filipendula Ulmaria). These little sticks of golden-coloured ‘candy-floss’ from the Rose family were considered a sacred herb by the Druids and contain many medicinal properties. The name ’Meadowsweet’ has nothing to do with meadows but rather relates to its traditional use as a flavouring herb for Mead. As well as being used in infusions and tinctures, Meadowsweet was commonly used as a strewing herb, in days gone by, to keep down the mites and give a sweet aroma to the room. In Irish mythology the legendary figure Cuchulain was said to have used the plant to calm his fever and his fits of rage and is even said to have worn Meadowsweet in a belt around his waist.

- Like Willow, Meadowsweet is a natural source of salicylic acid, one of the main constituents of aspirin. It’s so effective that Meadowsweet is used in place of aspirin in hospitals when patients are allergic to aspirin or too sensitive to use it.

- Said to be particularly good for digestive discomfort and soothes hyperacidity, ulcers and heartburn as well as diarrhea.

- Lowers levels of acidity in the body overall relieving all types of inflammatory joint pain.

- Good for expelling oxalic acid and breaking down kidney stones as well as for treating cystitis.

- Promotes restful sleep.

- Its gently astringent pain-killing, anti-inflammatory properties heal mouth ulcers and bleeding gums.

- Also contains anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.

- Can also be used externally to relieve aching joints and muscles.