Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaves and Aerial Parts of the Plant, Flowers

Flavors/Temps: Aromatic, Sweet, Bitter, Cool

Caution: Considered safe.

History/Folklore: The history of meadowsweet includes the archeological discovery of the plant found with the cremated remains of three people from the Bronze Age. The plant has long been used to make mead, beer and ales. It is one of the 50 herbs used to make the 14th century English drink called “Save,” which is mentioned in Chaucer’s story, The Knight’s Tale.

Meadowsweet’s common name, “Bridewort,” derives from the custom of strewing the blossoms on the floors of churches for festivals and weddings and in bridal garlands. The name, “ulmaria” means “elmlike” and is derived from the leaves resembling those of elm trees.  Like slippery elm the plant contains salicylic acid, which has long been used as a pain killer. The whole plant has a pleasant taste and is used as a strewing herb, tossed on floors to give rooms a pleasant scent and used to flavor wine, beer, jams and many vinegars. Scandinavians use meadowsweet as a spice in certain varieties of mead.

The Druids considered meadowsweet, water-mint and vervain as three of their most sacred herbs. Among other things, they used the flower as a tribute on burial sites. It was a plant often used as an offering during ceremonies or at sacred sites.

The whole plant is a traditional remedy for an acidic stomach. The fresh root is used in homeopathy and the dried flowers are used in potpourri. The fresh leaves can be used to flavor sorbets and fruit salads and a leaf dropped into a glass of red wine or tea to soothe the stomach and ease headache pain.

The plant contains chemicals used to make aspirin. Chewing the fresh peeled root will help sooth headaches. It is very good for treating weak or injured connective tissue, messy wounds, skin, and phlegmy inflammations. Meadowsweet increases the flow of urine while killing germs, making it a good herb for people suffering from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Soaked in rainwater the astringing and conditioning qualities of the plant make it a good skin conditioner. Meadowsweet is a symbol for grace and refinement. Used in spells and potions to attract love and create happiness. Burning the dried herb in your home will cleanse the air of negative energies and lift the spirit.