Summary

Meadowsweet is native to Europe and Asia and has been naturalized in North America. Historically both western and eastern medicine use it as an analgesic for muscle and joint pain. Meadowsweet contains salicin, a glycoside of salicylic acid that is chemically related to the anti-inflammatory drug Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). The salicin content also explains its use as an antipyretic for feverish colds and influenza.

Meadowsweet is a classic antiacid herb used for heartburn. Unlike aspirin, which causes stomach ulcers, meadowsweet paradoxically helps treat heartburn and heal stomach ulcers. It contains tannins that reduce stomach acid and inflammation that contributes to ulcer formation. Research suggests it might also inhibit the growth of H. pylori, a bacteria that commonly cause ulcers.

Indications

Gastrointestinal
• digestive complaints caused by acid damaging mucous membranes
• hyperchlorhydria
• gastic ulcer (H. pylori)
• gastritis
• gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Note: although salicylates are known to cause ulcers paradoxically, meadowsweet has anti-ulcerogenic effects. Mechanism remains unclear.

Musculoskeletal
• rheumatic condtions
• myalgia
• osteoarthritis (OA)
• rheumatoid arthritis (RA )

Actions

• Stomachic
• Antacid
• Antiulcerogenic
• Antiinflammatory
• Antirheumatic
• Analgesic
• Antiemetic
• Diuretic
• Antipyretic
• Anticoagulant

Constituents

• Simple Phenolics (E.g. Salicylates)
• Tannins
• Flavonoids

Posology

• Tincture (1:5 in 45% EtOH): 2-4 ml tid
• Infusion (dried herb): 1-2 tsp tid

Note: antiulcerogenic properties are associated with an aqueous extract of the flowers.

Safety

Contraindications: Pregnancy and lactation; safety has not yet been established with respect to salicylates.

Cautions: Aspirin sensitivity, children (Reye's syndrome).

High doses: May lead to metabolic acidosis with compensatory respiratory alkalosis.

Interactions

• Anticoagulants (Coumadin) • Caution: it may increasing bleeding time due to salicyclates.

References

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Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.

Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.

Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.

Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.

Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.

Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002