Meadowsweet Side Effects

Meadowsweet, or filipendula ulmaria, is a perennial herb native to Europe. This plant grows up to five feet tall with elongated stems and white blossoms that give off a sweet almond-like scent. Herbal medicine preparations use the meadowsweet flowers. Meadowsweet is used as a remedy for the common cold, influenza, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive upset, stomach ulcers, dyspepsia and hyperacidity. Though meadowsweet is considered a safe herb, use it with some caution. Always inform your doctor about what herbal supplements and treatments that you are taking. This prevents any complications when going in for surgery or an office procedure.

Properties

• Meadowsweet has a high level of flavonoids. It is also extremely high in salicylates including salicin, salicylaldehyde and methyl salicylate. These substances are closely related to aspirin. Meadowsweet has an anti-inflammatory effect. It also has the ability to reduce pain and lower fevers during illness.

Aspirin Warning

• People who are sensitive or allergic to aspirin should avoid using meadowsweet. Meadowsweet mimics aspirin due to the high salicylate content. Other people who should avoid meadowsweet are people with asthma, gout, diabetes, hemophilia, active peptic ulcer disease, hypoprothrombinemia, kidney disease and liver disease. Children should not be given meadowsweet since it will increase their risk of developing Reye's syndrome.

Drug Interactions

• Meadowsweet may interact with certain drugs. Do not take meadowsweet with blood-thinning medications and anticoagulant medications like aspirin. Meadowsweet can amplify the benefits and side effects of these medicines. Bismuth subsalicylate and ticlopidine contain salicylate compounds and should not be taken with meadowsweet.

Bleeding

• Meadowsweet is used to treat arthritis and cancer. It prevents blood clotting. It also relieves pressure and inflammation on the joints. This increases the risk of bleeding. Meadowsweet naturally thins the blood and makes it harder for the body to stop bleeding. Other herbs that increase your risk of bleeding are ginkgo, garlic, ginger, ginseng, willow bark, dong guai, turmeric, bilberry and feverfew.

Warfarin Interactions

• Warfarin interferes with the body's ability to properly use vitamin K. Taking meadowsweet with warfarin amplifies this medication's anticoagulant effect. This poses a health danger of bleeding. Other herbs that negatively interact with warfarin are angelica, arnica, bromelain, chamomile, devil's claw, fenugreek, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, green tea, licorice, passionflower, red clover, turmeric and willow bark.