Organic Meadowsweet Herbal Tea — Aromatic plant from the damp meadows of Europe

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, formerly Spiraea ulmaria) is a majestic perennial plant of damp meadows, riverbanks, and ditches throughout Europe. Its large panicles of creamy white flowers with a 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. Herberry offers you dried meadowsweet flowering tops, certified organic.

Botanical overview

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

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

Aromatic and taste profile

Meadowsweet infusion offers a slightly golden liquor with a very characteristic 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 the persistence of the floral aroma. It is a herbal tea with very 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 tops (about 1.5 to 2 g) per cup
• Water: simmering, about 90°C — do not boil to preserve the 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 old (contains salicylic derivatives)
• Do not exceed recommended usage amounts
• Dietary 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 or synthetic chemical inputs.

What is the link between meadowsweet and aspirin?

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

Can meadowsweet be consumed if one is allergic to aspirin?

No. Meadowsweet contains natural salicylic 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?

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

Discover other Herberry herbal teas: View the entire Herberry range