While you may not know it specifically by name, you’ve probably seen the meadowsweet flower hundreds of times. This fragrant shrub is one of the most recognizable wildflowers in Europe and America and has been prized for centuries by everyone from queens to winemakers. The history of this common wildflower is actually quite fascinating, full of age-old hints that point to the healing support this herb has to offer. What our ancestors knew instinctively, science can now prove regarding the potential wellness benefits packed into the meadowsweet flower. Keep reading to learn more about the traditional uses of the meadowsweet flower as well as several ways you can use it to support your own natural health journey.
Meadowsweet Flower: The Honey-Wine Flower
Brewers and vintners have long used the meadowsweet flower (also known as medwort or meadwort) to flavor wine and beer. You may often find it in mead, a honey-wine that has been brewed for centuries but is now making a comeback in local pubs and microbreweries. The meadowsweet flower has been traditionally used to flavor both red and white wines, believed to add not only a pleasant taste but to increase the medicinal benefits of the wine.
The Strewing Herb
Long before the days of modern plumbing, maids and housewives found themselves in dire need of a way to mask the more unpleasant smells of daily life. One method of improving indoor air quality was to strew fragrant herbs and flowers across the floors of the home. The meadowsweet flower was a popular and easy-to-gather option as a strewing herb and was reported to be the favorite of medieval queens. In 1597, botanist John Gerard wrote about meadowsweet, saying: The smell thereof makes the heart merry and joyful and delighted the senses.
A Favorite of Medieval Healers and Druids
The meadowsweet flower was one of the most prized in druidic communities, prized for its use in rituals and ceremonial drinks. The apothecaries and healers of long ago would gather meadowsweet to use in tinctures and elixirs, believed to reduce fevers and bring mild pain relief. In fact, meadowsweet was an original ingredient in the first aspirin products due to its high content of salicylic acid.
Modern Uses for the Meadowsweet Flower
Researchers have conducted several trials to understand the potential benefits of using the meadowsweet flower medicinally. Studies show that the meadowsweet flower contains anti-rheumatic, antipyretic, analgesic, and astringent properties that may support the body against various inflammatory conditions, especially those that involve the joints and muscles. Additionally, meadowsweet flower has been used with positive effect to support a stable body temperature, support respiratory health, and bring relief in the midst of seasonal discomfort.
Integrate the Meadowsweet Flower Into Your Health Routine!
While you can certainly drink a pint of meadowsweet beer or strew the flowers across your bedroom floor, Natural Healthy Concepts has a few simpler ways to experience the potential benefits of the meadowsweet flower – in supplement form.
Kids Immune Avenger from Herb Pharm a quality, liquid meadowsweet herb supplement designed to promote a healthy immune response for the entire family. Each alcohol-free drop contains meadowsweet, echinacea, elderberry, hyssop, ginger, horseradish, thyme, and cinnamon to support seasonal wellness no matter how many times your child’s classmate sneezes on them.
To experience the inflammatory support meadowsweet may provide, give Inflamma Response from Herb Pharm a try. This blended liquid supplement is formulated to support a healthy internal response using a combination of the meadowsweet herb, turmeric rhizome, chamomile, and licorice root.
Get started taking meadowsweet with easy to swallow Meadowsweet 250 mg from Solaray. Each vegetarian capsule provides the potential benefits of meadowsweet herb, including supporting temporary relief from minor pain, promoting a healthy immune response, and supporting glowing, healthy-looking skin.
How do you use the historic meadowsweet flower to help you meet your natural health goals? Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts with our team in the comments section below.
