Meadowsweet

Filipendula ulmaria 

Meadowsweet, as its name suggests, has a sweet, pleasant aroma and flavour profile with notes of almond. It has long been enjoyed as tea, and also in jams and desserts. The word mead in its name, comes from its traditional use in mead making; it was also used as a flavouring in wine and beer. Belonging to the Rosacae family and native to Europe and western Asia, this plant has abundant sprays of small creamy-white blossoms and is now naturalized throughout North America and is easily found in the Rocky Mountains.

Meadowsweet naturally contains salicylic acid, the compound which served as the basis for aspirin. Its many herbal qualities were well known by our ancient predecessors. It has astringent, digestive and analgesic properties.

Infuse 1-2 tsp per cup of hot water for a tea. Or use in extracts, compresses or in salves.

Caution: Meadowsweet contains salicylic acid - avoid if allergic to aspirin or salicylic acid.