The Uses for Queen of the Meadow Herb

Medicinal use of Filipendula ulmaria, known as Queen of the Meadow or meadowsweet, dates back to ancient Rome, according to Gaea and Shandor Weiss, authors of "Growing and Using the Healing Herbs." Known to Native Americans and Chinese herbalists, the plant grows wild near rivers and streams, in woods and wetlands from Canada to Florida and as far west as Texas, and is also cultivated by some herbalists.

Arthritis and Joint Pain

• The plant contains salicylates, the herbal roots of aspirin. Queen of the Meadow lacks negative side effects such as gastric upset and bleeding that may occur with aspirin use. Modern herbalists use meadowsweet to treat rheumatism, joint pain and muscle aches. It effectively treats headaches and other body aches. The plant contains anti-inflammation properties that reduce swelling in joints and muscles. Reduction in swelling reduces pain and improves range of motion. Its diuretic properties may reduce gout.

Viral Infections

• Native American healers taught early American healers to use Queen of the Meadow to treat colds, flu, typhus, pneumonia, diphtheria and dysentery. Joe Pye, a famous Native American healer, traveled the country using the plant to treat typhus fever. Many herbalists call the plant Joe Pye weed in his honor, according to Weiss. Herbalists continue to use plant extracts and infusions to treat colds, flu and other viral infections. The antiseptic properties of the plant effectively destroy viruses and microbes. The "PDR for Herbal Medicine" reports that Queen of the Meadow reduces mucus membrane inflammation. Those with respiratory infections find it easier to breathe when using the plant.

Ulcers and Gastric Problems

• Herbalists recommend Queen of the Meadow to reduce surplus stomach acid and heartburn. Its antispasmodic properties ease gastric upset and nausea . Although aspirin is contraindicated for these conditions, the "PDR for Herbal Medicine" reports the salicylates in this plant do not irritate the stomach or bowel lining because of natural buffering compounds also found in the plant.

Fever Reduction

• To reduce fever, steep 1 to 2 tsp. of flowers in a cup of near boiling water. The tea causes sweating until the fever breaks, according to Dr. James Duke. Meadowsweet cleanses the body by sweating out toxins. Its antiseptic properties remove toxins in the bladder and kidney, which provides an effective treatment for cystitis, urinary tract infections and edema. Users should be aware that it may cause mild diarrhea during the cleansing process.

Mead

• According to the website Herbal Extract Plus, Anglo Saxon brewers used the plant to create mead, a sweet alcoholic beverage. The plant grows wild in many English meadows, so it was easy to find it in large quantities. The herb gives a mild, sweet taste to the brew. Some home brewers continue to use meadowsweet to make mead.

Precautions

• The plant is not recommended for pregnant women or young children. Children with chicken pox, flu and other viral infections may be at increased risk of Reye's syndrome if Queen of the Meadow is used. Individuals with an aspirin allergy should avoid using the plant. Patients taking blood thinners and NSAIDS such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium should avoid it because it can reduce clotting time and cause bruising.