Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)

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
  1. Natural Pain Relief – Helps with arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
  2. Digestive Support – Soothes gastric ulcers and colic.
  3. Anti-Inflammatory – Beneficial for laminitis, arthritis, and swelling.
  4. Fever Reduction – Used for respiratory infections and fevers.
  5. 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
  1. Pain & Joint Support – Helps arthritis, hip dysplasia, and stiffness.
  2. Digestive Aid – Relieves gastric ulcers, reflux, and indigestion.
  3. Fever & Infection Relief – Used for mild fevers and colds.
  4. 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)