Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a plant typically found in damp meadows in Europe and Asia. The above ground parts are used to make medicine.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that might decrease swelling. It also contains chemicals called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin.
People use meadowsweet for respiratory tract infections, headache, heartburn, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using meadowsweet for COVID-19.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using meadowsweet for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Meadowsweet is possibly safe when used short-term. But taking meadowsweet in large amounts or for a long period of time is possibly unsafe. It contains chemicals called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin. It's not clear if it has similar side effects.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to use meadowsweet while pregnant. It might make the uterus contract, causing a miscarriage.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if meadowsweet is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Aspirin allergy: Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to the chemicals in aspirin. People who are allergic to aspirin might also be allergic to meadowsweet.
Asthma: Meadowsweet can cause lung spasms. It might make asthma worse.
Aspirin
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals similar to aspirin. Taking meadowsweet along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate). Taking meadowsweet along with choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate) might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate).
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to salsalate. Taking meadowsweet along with salsalate might increase the effects and side effects of salsalate.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Traditionally, meadowsweet has been used by adults in doses of 2.5-3.5 grams of the flower or 4-5 grams of the herb by mouth daily. Its also been used as a liquid extract and tincture. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Barbe de Bouc, Barbe de Chèvre, Bridewort, Dolloff, Dropwort, Fausse Spirée, Filipendula, Filipendula ulmaria, Filipendule, Lady of the Meadow, Mariée de la Prairie, Meadow Queen, Meadow Sweet, Meadow-Wart, Petite Reine, Queen of the Meadow, Racine de Gravier, Reina de los Prados, Reine de la Prairie, Reine des Prés, Reine-des-Prés, Spiraeae Flos, Spireae Herba, Spiraea ulmaria, Spirée Ulmaire, Ulmaria.
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