botanical name(s): Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria
synonyms: meadowsweet, bridewort, dolloff, meadsweet, meadow queen, meadow-wort, pride of the meadow, queen of the meadow, madesut, spierblumen, reine des pres, ulmaire
part(s) used: aerial parts
qualities: cold, moist, dry
affinities:stomach, intestines
actions: antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, astringent, antipyretic, protects and soothes mucous membranes
dosage:
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
» powder: 400 - 800 mg
therapy: hyperacidity, nausea, heartburn, gastritis, peptic ulcer, diarrhea
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1
toxicity: 2; see salicylate toxidrome and tannin toxidrome
» treatment of overdose: activated charcoal and alkaline drinks such as sodium bicarbonate in water; fruit juices replace lost potassium; rectal administration of bicarbonate and potassium may be necessary; hydrotherapy is suggested to produce and maintain normal body temperature; caffeine stimulants are recommended for use in cases requiring respiratory stimulation and maintenance (Theines and Haley, pp. 80-85)
» patients should be warned about intoxication of excessive intake; there is potential for renal damage following and overdose due to the salicylates and tannins (Spoerke, p. 163)
» caution is advised regarding use in patients with history of recent surgery, diabetes, hypoglycemia, nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract infections, acute infectious hepatitis, leukemias, Graves disease, or related genetic disorders (Langer and Greer, pp. 66 - 67)
» contraindicated in allergic hypersensitivity due to its salicylates (Wichtl, De Smet, Brooks)
constituents: essential oil with salicylic compounds; salicylic acid, tannin, citric acid
footnotes
Brooks S (ed.). 1995. Botanical Toxicology. Protocol J Bot. Med, 1:147-58.
De Smet PAGM et al. (eds.). 1993. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2, Berlin: Springer-Verlag
Langer, P., and Greer, M.A. 1977. Anti-Thyroid Substances and Naturally Occurring Goitrogens. New York: Karyer, Greer.
Spoerke Jr., D.G. 1980. Herbal Medications. Santa Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Company.
Thienes, C.H., Haley, T.J. 1975. Clinical Toxicology. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger.
Wichtl M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, Boca Raton: CRC Press.