Filipendula ulmaria                                Common name: Meadosweet

Family: Rosaceae

Parts used: Aerial

Constituents: Volatile oil: polyphenol components (salicylates – salicin, salicylic acid), flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, mucilage, CHO, ascorbic acid

Medicinal actions: Antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, diaphoretic, anti-coagulant, antacid, carminative, anti-emetic, digestive, hepatic, diuretic, anti-rheumatic

Medicinal use: Has specific use for peptic ulcers both as prophylactic and as treatment. Regulates gastric acid levels and protects and soothes GIT mucous membranes. Also of great use in musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, gout, and all kinds of muscle & joint pains. It promotes uric acid excretion and has anti-bacterial and immunomodulating effets.

Pharmacology: 

• Salicylates – salicin, salicylic acid are analgesic and anti-inflammatory.

Pharmacy: Powder: 2-4g, TID. Capsules: 500mg, BID. Infusion: 2 tsp/cup, TID. Tincture: (1:2, 60%), 3-6ml QD.

Contraindications: Allergic to salicylates or aspirin. Caution in asthma due to possibly bronchospastic effects.

Toxicity: No adverse effects expected.

Interactions: Theoretically may interfere with anticoagulants.