Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet

Background

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a plant typically found in damp meadows in Europe and Asia. The above ground parts are used to make medicine.

Meadowsweet contains chemicals that might decrease swelling. It also contains chemicals called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin.

People use meadowsweet for respiratory tract infections, headache, heartburn, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using meadowsweet for COVID-19.
When taken by mouth: Meadowsweet is possibly safe when used short-term. But taking meadowsweet in large amounts or for a long period of time is possibly unsafe. It contains chemicals called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin. It's not clear if it has similar side effects.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to use meadowsweet while pregnant. It might make the uterus contract, causing a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if meadowsweet is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Aspirin allergy: Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to the chemicals in aspirin. People who are allergic to aspirin might also be allergic to meadowsweet.

Asthma: Meadowsweet can cause lung spasms. It might make asthma worse.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using meadowsweet for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Traditionally, meadowsweet has been used by adults in doses of 2.5-3.5 grams of the flower or 4-5 grams of the herb by mouth daily. Its also been used as a liquid extract and tincture. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Aspirin

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Meadowsweet contains chemicals similar to aspirin. Taking meadowsweet along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.

Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate). Taking meadowsweet along with choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate) might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate).

Salsalate (Disalcid)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to salsalate. Taking meadowsweet along with salsalate might increase the effects and side effects of salsalate.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
 

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This monograph was last reviewed on 16/11/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 21/12/2012 18:09:35. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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