Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
It was believed in Cambridgeshire that its scent could lull you into an eternal sleep
if you weren’t careful.
One of the herbs most sacred by the Celtic druids,
meadowsweet represented the Flower Bride, the maiden aspect of the triple goddess.
She was named Blodeuwedd and was created out of oak blossom, broom, and meadowsweet.
In addition, it doesn't just smell like marzipan, it tastes like it too.
It has historically been used to flavor jams, vinegar, and wine.
Name: Meadowsweet, Filipendula ulmaria
Other names: bridewort, dollof, meadwort, Queen of the Meadow
Family: Rosaceae (rose family)
Harvest months: Mar-Sep
Usable plant parts: Leaves, flowers, buds
Leaf shape: imparipinnate
Flower color: yellow, white
Habitat: damp meadows, ditches, brooks
Risk of confusion: wood honeysuckle, small meadowsweet
Toxicity: Partially poisonous
Warning: It contains coumarin, which can prevent blood clumping. Generally considered safe in low dosage.
If drying meadowsweet, ensure it is done quickly before storing in an airtight container,
as harmless coumarin can be converted into more toxic dicoumarol in the presence of some airborne molds.
Not to be used by asthmatics or during pregnancy
Ingredients: Essential oils, flavonoids, tannic acid, silicic acid, salicylic acid, vanillin, citric acid
Properties: anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, tonic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic
Helps with: arteriosclerosis, discharge, flatulence, cystitis, diarrhea, colds, fever, gout, headache, migraine, kidney problems, pimples, rheumatism, heartburn, rabies, bloating
Plant uses
Cooking:
The strong, honey-almond aroma is excellent for flavoring desserts.
Health:
In medicine, meadowsweet is not only a good painkiller
but also helps with rheumatism, bloating, and colds.
Beauty:
For impure skin, a steam bath or facial tonic with meadowsweet helps.
For a facial tonic, steep meadowsweet flowers in distilled water for twelve hours.
Then strain and add a little alcohol for longer shelf life.
