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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


MEADOWSWEET
(Filipendula ulmaria)
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CONTAINS: Calcium, sulphur, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus.

PROPAGATION: By seed and rhizome cutings. Perennial.
NEEDS: Part shade and rich, moisture-retentive soil that is well-draining. This one grows well along streams.
HARVEST: Leaves and flowers. The roots for dye.

USES

MEDICINAL:
Considered to be an herbal aspirin. As with aspirin, it should be avoided by young people and pregnant women.
Also diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, and antacid.
Has been used for pain, fever, headache, arthritis, cramps, low grade fever, some types of diarrhea, inflammation, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches.
Has also been used for gastritis, ulceration, hyperacidity, hiatus hernia and acid dyspepsia (as an adjunct to chamomile).
INFUSION = 1 to 2 tsp dry herb per cup of water just off the boil and steeped 10 minutes.

DYE:
The roots produce the color black.



©2001 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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