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Meadowsweet is a herbaceous perennial shrub native to Europe, but also found in North America. Meadowsweet's ornamental wildflowers are creamy, yellow-white, and have an aroma similar to oil of wintergreen. The medicinal product consists of flower petals and some unopened buds, which are used as the drug.
Meadowsweet has been used for colds, respiratory problems, acid indigestion, peptic ulcers, arthritis and rheumatism, skin diseases, and diarrhea.
Edible parts: Young leaves are edible but are commonly used in soups and to make tea.
Habitat: Meadowsweet is typically found in swamps, marshes, fens, wet woods, or by lakes and rivers. It grows throughout North America, Europe, and in many areas of Asia.
Height: This plant can reach heights to anywhere between 3-6 feet.
Leaves: Meadowsweet leaves are alternate (up to 3" long and 3/4" across) and occur along the young branches. The leaves are narrowly ovate, sharply serrated, pinnately veined, and glabrous (rarely sparsely hairy underneath); they have short petioles. The upper side of each leaf is medium green, while its lower side is pale green. The branches terminate in panicles of flowers.
Flowers: Each flower is about 1/4" across, consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, 5 light green pistils, and numerous stamens (20 or more). The petals are much longer than the sepals, while the filaments of the stamens are much longer thanthe styles of the pistils. Where the nectaries of each flower are located, there is a narrow ring-like structure that surrounds the 5 pistils in the center of the flower; this floral structure is pink, orange, or yellow. It flowers mid- to late summer.
Distinguishing Features: Meadowsweet is considered a shrub rather than a wildflower and it tends to grow in colonies. When in bloom it is very easy to identify. Meadowsweet is a large, clump-forming, upright perennial that typically grows relatively tall.
PARTS USED
Leaves and aerial parts for medicine, and usually the flowers for flavoring
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
In tea infusions, as a capsule or extract and sometimes included in food. The flowers are used as a natural sweetener for teas, foods and other beverages.
Contraindications
Should not be used in patients with salicylate or sulfite sensitivity. Use with caution in patients with asthma.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Documented adverse effects. Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation.
Interactions
Because meadowsweet contains salicylates, it may increase the risk of bleeding when given with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or with any alternative medicines with antiplatelet properties.
Side Effects
Meadowsweet may cause GI bleeding.
Toxicology
Few toxic events have been reported.