Organic meadowsweet herbal tea, 30 g

Discover Herberry's organic meadowsweet herbal tea: dried flowering tops, in a 30 g resealable kraft bag. Certified organic farming.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, formerly Spiraea ulmaria) is a majestic perennial plant found in damp meadows, riverbanks, and ditches throughout Europe. Its large panicles of creamy white flowers, with their delicate scent of almond and vanilla, make it one of the most beautiful medicinal plants in Europe. Historically, it is the source of the discovery of salicylic acid, the chemical precursor to aspirin.

Botanical overview

Filipendula ulmaria is a perennial plant of the Rosaceae family that can reach 1 to 2 meters in height. Its pinnate leaves with large, toothed leaflets are dark green on top and whitish underneath. The flowers, which are tiny and numerous, are grouped in dense, creamy white panicles with a characteristic sweet and slightly aniseed scent. Flowering occurs from June to August. It colonizes wetlands and floodplains throughout Europe.

The flowering tops contain salicylate derivatives (salicin, spiraein, free salicylic acid), flavonoids (spiraeoside, rutin, hyperoside), tannins, essential oils (salicylaldehyde, methyl acetate), and mucilages.

Aromatic and taste profile

Meadowsweet infusion produces a light golden liquor with a very distinctive aroma: sweet, floral, with notes of sweet almond and a slight medicinal touch. On the palate, the taste is pleasant, subtly bitter, and astringent, with a lingering floral aroma. It is a herbal tea with highly recognizable notes, often described as one of the most fragrant in European herbalism.

How to prepare the infusion

• Quantity: 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowering tops (approximately 1.5 to 2 g) per cup
• Water: simmering, approximately 90°C; do not boil, to preserve volatile compounds
• Infusion: 8 to 10 minutes, covered
• Strain and enjoy warm
• Frequency: 2 to 3 cups per day

Composition

Precautions for use

• Not recommended for people allergic to aspirin or salicylates
• Not recommended for people suffering from aspirin-induced asthma
• Not recommended for people on anticoagulant treatment without medical advice
• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice
• Not recommended for children under 12 years of age (contains salicylate derivatives)
• Do not exceed the recommended usage amounts
• Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet

FAQ

Is Herberry's organic meadowsweet certified?

Yes, these meadowsweet flowering tops are certified organic, free from pesticides and synthetic chemical inputs.

What is the link between meadowsweet and aspirin?

In the 19th century, chemists isolated salicylic acid from meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria, its former name). The acetylation of this acid produced acetylsalicylic acid, marketed in 1899 under the name Aspirin. The name "Aspirin" actually comes from "a-" for acetyl and "-spirin" for Spiraea.

Can meadowsweet be consumed if one is allergic to aspirin?

No. Meadowsweet contains natural salicylate derivatives. People allergic to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should avoid this plant or consult their doctor beforehand.

How should I store my bag of meadowsweet?

Keep away from direct light, heat, and moisture. The characteristic scent of meadowsweet is volatile; close the bag tightly after each use. Consume preferably within 12 months.

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