Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria

Herbs & Roots. Western & European.

Also called Queen of the meadow, Bridewort, Meadowwort

Spanish: Reina de los prados

Aspirin-like; bleeding risk

A meadow plant with creamy flowers that contains salicylates, aspirin-like compounds.

Did you know? The name aspirin partly comes from Spiraea, an old name for this plant, which was an early source of salicylic acid.

What it may help, and how strong the proof is

Digestion & gut health. Traditional for stomach upset, heartburn, and mild diarrhea. Little human research exists.
Traditional proof
Pain & headaches. Its salicylates may ease aches the way aspirin does, but there are no good human trials of the herb itself.
Traditional proof

Parts of the body

Gut & intestines, Stomach, Nerves & pain

Traditional use

European herbalists used the flowers for fevers, colds, and upset stomachs. Meadowsweet tea was a common folk remedy for fevers and aches.

How it is classified

Herbal actions: Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Diaphoretic. Energy: cooling.

How people take it

Traditional guidance is about 2 to 4 grams of dried flowers or herb steeped as tea, up to three times a day. No trial-based doses are established.

Tea and tincture.

Where to get it

Grows in wet meadows and ditches across Europe, Asia, and North America. Sold as dried herb, tea blends, and tinctures.

Be careful

Contains salicylates, so it can cause stomach upset and bleeding problems, like aspirin. Avoid it if you have an aspirin allergy or stomach ulcers. Do not give it to children with a viral illness.

Avoid if: aspirin allergy; stomach ulcers; bleeding disorders; children under 16.

Mixing with other things

Works well together
Both contain salicylates and are used for aches and fever.
Works well together
A classic European fever and cold tea blend.
Use caution
Blood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
Salicylates can add to bleeding risk with blood thinners.
Use caution
Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)
Alcohol and salicylates can irritate the stomach.

Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.

The honest take

Meadowsweet contains natural aspirin-like compounds, but trials on the herb itself are missing. Its traditional uses for fever and stomach upset are plausible but unproven. The main issue is that it can cause the same bleeding and stomach risks as aspirin.