Meadowsweet Herb (Filipendula ulmaria) – 50g
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), also known as meadowsweet herb, queen of the meadow, or bridewort, is a remarkable plant with a rich history of medicinal use dating back over four centuries. First mentioned in Cypriot legends, it was considered sacred by Celtic druids and employed in their ceremonies. Traditional healers utilized meadowsweet for a wide range of ailments, including kidney and stomach disorders, skin conditions, colds, and rheumatism. Its common name, “thirty-diseases,” reflects its broad application in folk medicine.
Therapeutic Properties and Uses:
Meadowsweet’s therapeutic properties stem from its rich composition, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, acids, catechins, and essential oils. All parts of the plant hold medicinal value.
Internal Use:
- Digestive Health: Meadowsweet tea acts as a gentle diuretic, aiding in the treatment of stomach ailments and bladder problems. It’s also traditionally used for nephritis and leukemia. It can alleviate pain associated with rheumatism and gout.
- Cardiovascular Support: It improves cerebral blood flow, inhibits blood clot formation, and helps dissolve existing clots. Meadowsweet flower tincture thins the blood and lowers blood pressure, making it beneficial for atherosclerosis.
- Respiratory Health: Meadowsweet decoctions are used to treat respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchial asthma.
- Wound Healing: It accelerates tissue regeneration in non-healing wounds, fistulas, and ulcers, and disinfects suppurating wounds.
- Immune System Support: Traditionally used to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and support liver function.
- Diabetes & Hypertension: Traditional preparations are used to support management of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. (Note: Consult your doctor before using meadowsweet for these conditions).
External Use:
- Skin Conditions: Meadowsweet is a valuable remedy for skin inflammation (eczema, neurodermatitis), wound healing, and burns.
- Oral Health: Mouthwashes and compresses made from meadowsweet are effective for stomatitis, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
- Insect Repellent: Crushed flowers act as a natural insect repellent.
Preparation Methods and Recipes:
(Note: Always consult a healthcare professional before using meadowsweet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.)
Infusion for Rheumatism, Gout, Stomach Pains, Headaches, and Diuretic Use: Steep 2g of crushed herb in 250ml of cold boiled water for 8 hours in a thermos. Filter and take 50ml four times daily before meals.
Infusion for Haemostasis and Astringent Properties: Steep 5g of crushed herb in 200ml of water for 2-3 hours. Filter and take 50ml 2-3 times daily.
Decoction for Hepatitis: Simmer 5g of crushed herb in 200ml of water over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Steep for 2 hours. Filter and take 15-30ml three times daily before meals.
Infusion for Diabetes and Hypertension: Steep 5g of crushed herb in 400ml of boiling water in a water bath for 15 minutes. Steep for 1 hour. Filter and take 30ml three times daily an hour before meals. (One-month course).
Tincture for Wound Care: Macerate 200g of crushed herb in 1 liter of 20% alcohol for two weeks in a dark place, shaking occasionally. Filter. Use as compresses for suppurating wounds, trophic ulcers, burns, arthritis, arthrosis, neuralgia, trigeminal and facial neuritis, and rheumatism.
Contraindications:
Individual intolerance. A minimum recommended course is 5 packages. (This refers to the 50g package size).