Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Botanical Description
- Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)
- Common Names: Meadowsweet, Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort, Meadwort
- Parts Used: Leaves, Flowers, Stems, Roots
- Native Habitat: Meadows, damp fields, and riverbanks across the UK and Isle of Man
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a natural anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and digestive aid, historically used as the original source of salicylic acid (aspirin-like compounds). It has been a staple in traditional herbal medicine for humans, horses, and dogs.
Constituents & Their Actions
Plant Part |
Constituents |
Primary Actions |
Flowers |
Salicylates (salicin, methyl salicylate), flavonoids, tannins, essential oils |
Anti-inflammatory, mild pain relief, digestive support |
Leaves |
Salicylates, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins |
Fever-reducing, antioxidant, blood circulation support |
Stems |
Salicylates, tannins |
Similar effects to leaves but milder |
Roots |
High in tannins and salicylates |
Astringent, anti-inflammatory, used in poultices |
Key Constituents and Effects
- Salicylates (Salicin, Methyl Salicylate) – Provide aspirin-like pain relief without irritating the stomach.
- Tannins – Offer anti-diarrheal, astringent, and wound-healing properties.
- Flavonoids – Support antioxidant, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Essential Oils – Contribute to antiseptic and aromatic properties.
- Coumarins – Aid circulation and mild blood-thinning effects.
Equine Use of Meadowsweet
Benefits for Horses
- Natural Pain Relief – Helps with arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
- Digestive Support – Soothes gastric ulcers and colic.
- Anti-Inflammatory – Beneficial for laminitis, arthritis, and swelling.
- Fever Reduction – Used for respiratory infections and fevers.
- Hoof & Skin Health – Applied externally in poultices for wounds and inflammation.
Administration for Horses
- Dried Meadowsweet Leaves & Flowers in Feed: For pain relief and digestive support.
- Herbal Infusion (Tea) for Gastric Issues: - Add warm meadowsweet tea to feed or water.
- Poultice for Joint & Hoof Care: - Apply a moist mash to inflamed joints or sore hooves.
Precautions
- Avoid in horses with blood-thinning medications due to coumarins.
- Do not give to horses allergic to aspirin.
- Use with caution in pregnant mares.
Canine Use of Meadowsweet
Benefits for Dogs
- Pain & Joint Support – Helps arthritis, hip dysplasia, and stiffness.
- Digestive Aid – Relieves gastric ulcers, reflux, and indigestion.
- Fever & Infection Relief – Used for mild fevers and colds.
- Skin & Wound Healing – Applied externally for wounds, rashes, and swelling.
Administration for Dogs
- Tea or Infusion:
- Poultice:
- Apply directly to wounds, swollen joints, or inflamed areas.
- Tincture (Low-Dose Use):
Precautions
- Avoid in dogs with aspirin sensitivity.
- Use with caution in pregnant dogs.
- Not suitable for dogs on blood-thinning medication.
UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Meadowsweet
Folklore & Historical Use
- Sacred to Druids – Used in healing rituals and as an offering to nature spirits.
- Used in Mead Brewing – Its name "Meadwort" comes from its historical use in flavoring mead.
- Protective Herb – Sprinkled in homes and weddings for happiness and prosperity.
- Traditional Medicine – Healers in the Isle of Man used meadowsweet for fevers, stomach aches, and wounds.
- Linked to Fairies – Considered a favored plant of the fairy folk and left undisturbed in sacred places.
Conclusion
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a powerful natural pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and digestive aid, widely used in human, equine, and canine herbal medicine. Deeply woven into UK and Isle of Man folklore, it remains a symbol of healing, protection, and prosperity.
Digestion
Inflamation
Mobility
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)