Meadowsweet: photos, beneficial properties and contraindications

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Irina
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Meadowsweet (meadowsweet) is known to gardeners as an ornamental plant, numbering about 15 species.

According to legend, meadowsweet was called meadowsweet by hunters, since they used it to make a storage shed - a shelter for duck hunting.

The beautiful honey plant blooms almost all summer, spreading the enchanting smell of almonds, honey, and vanilla around. Throughout July and August, hardworking bees buzz above the light, fragrant panicles.

In the outback you can still see brooms made from dried meadowsweet grass in the bathhouse. It is used to flavor rooms and added to some dishes as a spice, but the main advantage of common meadowsweet is its healing capabilities.

Dried meadowsweet herb

Grandmother herbalists claim that meadowsweet is a proven remedy for 40 diseases. In folk medicine, they are mainly treated with meadowsweet. It must be distinguished from its analogues, because varieties affect the body differently, so it is worth getting to know it in more detail.

• Classification
• Description of the species
• Composition of whitehead
• Pharmacological features
• Meadowsweet in folk medicine
• Using lungwort in everyday life
• Meadowsweet herb: medicinal properties, indications and contraindications
• Features of each part of the whitehead
• Dosage forms and doses Alcohol tincture
• Decoction
• Infusion
• Flower tea
• Ointment
• Lungwort for weight correction

Classification

Meadowsweet is a typical representative of the genus Meadowsweet, the rosehip subfamily, and the Rosaceae family. The genus name in Latin is Filipendula, which means “hanging threads”, as its roots are suspended on thin threads.

The name of the species is elm, a derivative of the noun “elm”.

Popularly it is also called meadowsweet, lungwort, whitehead, and honeyberry.

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Description of the species

Meadowsweet is a perennial up to 2 m tall. You can recognize it by its ribbed, erect stem and regular pinnately compound large (up to 30 cm) leaves. The top of the leaf is dark green and the bottom is white tomentose. The leaf is ovate-lanceolate, with a sharp serrated edge, stipule and shortened petiole.

It differs from its analogues in its pinnate leaves, where small leaves are located between large corrugated sheets.

The fruit is a seed in the form of a twisted spiral with sickle-shaped nuts.

The meadowsweet flower is small (up to 8 mm in diameter), consists of five petals of white or cream color. Numerous flowers are collected in apical inflorescences of the paniculate-corymbose type.

It differs from six-petalled meadowsweet not only in the number of petals: it has ball-shaped thickenings on the roots, which is why six-petalled meadowsweet is also called groundnuts. The root of the five-leaved meadowsweet is powerful, thick, and creeping; in the elm-leaved variety it is without thickenings.

Meadowsweet loves water meadows, waterlogged river banks and various types of swamps with fertile soil. There is a lot of grass in the alder thickets. In the floodplain of a forest stream it can form a carpet that is difficult to overcome. Healing raw materials are collected in the central zone of the Russian Federation, in the Far East, Altai, and the Urals.

Loves places with high humidity, swampy and damp meadows, forests.

Collection, drying, storage

Meadowsweet grows in Western Asia, the Caucasus, and Siberia. Therefore, we can say that the collection of medicinal raw materials can be carried out everywhere. Meadowsweet is a “regular” in marshy areas, water meadows and shores of reservoirs, and floodplain forests.

That is, she loves shady areas and moist soils. Of particular value are the “tops” and “roots” (inflorescences and rhizomes). The collection of raw materials is carried out at different times: inflorescences - in June-July, rhizomes - in September-October.

Drying of raw materials is carried out in the shade and in a draft (in attics, sheds and under sheds). Dried parts of the plant can be stored for up to two years - in cardboard boxes and canvas bags (provided the correct temperature and humidity conditions are observed).

Composition of whitehead

The herb is rich in essential oils, wintergreen, spirein, vanilla, glycosides, terpein, wax, tannins, vitamins, and fats. Flowers are valued for their essential oils, the glycoside spirein. Wintergreen was detected in the roots.

Herbalists prescribe the herb as an astringent for defecation irregularities. It also has diaphoretic, choleretic properties, as well as diuretic properties; strengthens the immune system, has sedative and anesthetic effects.

Used for colds as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, bactericidal agent.

Pharmacological features

The most valuable plant from a medicinal point of view is meadowsweet. Traditional medicine uses meadowsweet flowers to treat a wide range of ailments. Their medicinal properties and contraindications are due to their unique chemical composition:

• vitamin C – strengthens the immune system;
• wax – has an antimicrobial and astringent effect;
• essential oils – beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and respiratory systems;
• starch – has enveloping properties that protect the mucous membrane from damage;
• fatty plant acids - take part in the creation and restoration of cellular tissue;
• glycosides – provide sedative, antibacterial and laxative effects;
• phenolcarboxylic acids – naturally cleanse the body and prevent cell aging;
• flavonoids – relieve swelling, spasms, allergy symptoms;
• salicylic acid – relieves inflammation;
• phenolic compounds – normalize the functioning of the biliary tract and genitourinary system;
• tannins – control blood viscosity.

Meadowsweet is used to treat wounds, burns, and gout.
Poultices and compresses from meadowsweet relieve symptoms of arthritis, migraines, and allergies. The plant has low toxicity, but in cases of hypotension and colitis characterized by severe constipation, treatment with its drugs is not recommended. It is important to consider that whitecap contains salicylates that have a diaphoretic effect. Therefore, you can leave the room for fresh air only an hour after taking the medicine. It is also necessary to monitor the composition of the blood.

Best before date

24 months

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The description of vitamin Meadowsweet is intended for informational purposes only. Before starting to use any drug, it is recommended to consult a doctor and read the instructions for use. For more complete information, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not self-medicate; EUROLAB is not responsible for the consequences caused by the use of information posted on the portal. Any information on the project does not replace consultation with a specialist and cannot be a guarantee of the positive effect of the drug you use. The opinions of EUROLAB portal users may not coincide with the opinions of the site Administration.

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Meadowsweet in folk medicine

Herbalists and healers make medicines from all parts of the medicinal plant.

Flower tea is used as a diuretic for nephritis, gout, rheumatism, kidney failure, pain in the gastrointestinal tract, heart, arterial hypertension, hernia, leukemia. It is also effective as a hemostatic.

Powder from dried flowers eliminates diaper rash on the skin of infants. It also has repellent properties: if you moisten the skin with fresh plant juice, it can repel insects.

A decoction of lungwort is used to treat diseases of the respiratory system, treat wounds with suppuration, use it for irrigation in gynecology, and give enemas for diarrhea. Compresses can also be applied to damaged skin.

A decoction of the root is effective for diabetes (including gestational diabetes), diseases of the joints and thyroid gland, and cancer problems. Traditionally, in Slavic cuisine, herbs and flowers were added to first courses, drinks and desserts.

Using lungwort in everyday life

Gardeners willingly cultivate the plant in landscape design. In addition to its decorative function, the plant fills the area with a pleasant aroma throughout the summer. They also use unique sachets to scent rooms, linen, and desserts.

Rhizomes in the southern regions of the country are popular as a spice. The sour-tasting leaves are added to salads and first courses. The aromatic herb is added to homemade wine and even to tobacco (snuff).

Whitehead contains many useful substances, so meadowsweet serves as a good vitamin supplement to the diet.

Add a couple of meadowsweet branches to a bath broom made of oak or birch. This advice is especially relevant for abrasions, wounds and inflammation.

Cosmetologists use a decoction of meadowsweet to restore oily, problematic skin prone to acne. If inflammation spreads to the scalp, rub the infusion into the scalp.

Powder from dried meadowsweet flowers is always in the herbalist's medicine cabinet: they sprinkle it on acne, boils and other skin lesions, including purulent ones.

For children, the powder helps get rid of diaper rash and bedsores. Lungwort also serves as an important component in the manufacture of creams.

Insects do not like the persistent floral smell. For protection, it is enough to rub the juice of the plant on exposed areas of the body.

Growing conditions

Meadowsweet is a very unpretentious plant, resistant to frost and does not require any special preparation for the winter period. Prefers moist and fertile soils. But when planting, you should not moisten the soil too much - abundant watering is important in the summer.

Meadowsweet can be propagated either by cuttings of rhizomes or by seeds. It is best to plant in late autumn. A distance of 40 to 50 cm should be maintained between plants. Meadowsweet can grow in one place for a long time; it should be replanted no earlier than after five years.

Meadowsweet herb: medicinal properties, indications and contraindications

This universal medicine is effective in treating a wide variety of ailments:

• headache;
• rheumatism, gout and arthralgia;
• diabetes mellitus (including in pregnant women);
• epilepsy and smooth muscle spasms;
• dysentery and diarrhea;
• hemorrhoids and worms;
• inflammation of the urinary tract,
• hypertension;
• inflammatory processes in the sciatic and trigeminal nerves, insomnia, neuritis of the facial nerve;
• diseases of the respiratory system (sore throat, pneumonia, asthma);
• respiratory infections,
• bedsores, purulent wounds;
• psoriasis, ulcers, lichen;
• malignant tumors (in some cases);
• gastrointestinal polyps;
• cardiovascular failure (shortness of breath, edema, thrombophlebitis, anemia);
• gynecological pathologies, incl. infertility;
• intestinal atony and hepatitis.

A decoction of meadowsweet also helps with snake bites.
Despite its low toxicity class, meadowsweet is not prescribed to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age.

It is also contraindicated in the following conditions:

• chronic constipation;
• arterial hypotension;
• poor blood clotting;
• thrombocytopathy;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the product.

Poor blood clotting
When deciding to treat with lungwort, coordinate your intentions with a specialist. The doses and frequency of administration indicated in the recipes are approximate and are presented for general information.

Side effects

Due to the astringent properties of meadowsweet, those suffering from chronic constipation may experience worsening of the condition.

Hypotensive patients may experience an even greater decrease in blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, and nausea.

Since medicines from meadowsweet prevent excessive thrombus formation by having an inhibitory effect on tissue (platelets, fibrinogens) or plasma blood clotting factors, they can lead to a deterioration in the health of people with poor blood clotting. The use of drugs with meadowsweet is not recommended before driving vehicles, as they cause decreased concentration and attention, drowsiness, and mild retardation.

Cosmetics based on meadowsweet can cause allergic skin reactions - before use, you should test on the inside of your elbow or wrist. An overdose can lead to stomach illness and cause nausea.

Features of each part of the whitehead

All parts have healing capabilities: stem, flowers, roots. The root is suitable for eliminating symptoms of hypertension, nervous disorders, and diseases of the respiratory system.

A tincture of the root removes worms. In complex collections, the rhizome is used as a sedative, antispasmodic, and analgesic. They also help with bleeding. Pharmacists use the root to prepare herbal medicines (extract, extract).

Herbal tea will relieve fatigue and normalize sleep. It is also indicated for rhinitis. The powder is useful for treating burns and wounds.

Flower teas are used as a diuretic, astringent, diaphoretic, and anthelmintic. The drink relieves pain in the gastrointestinal tract, is effective in heart failure, relieves nerve spasms and migraines.

Dosage forms and doses

Various types of medicines are prepared from meadowsweet: tinctures, decoctions, powders, teas, creams, ointments.

Alcohol tincture

The infusion treats non-healing purulent wounds, boils, and trophic ulcers. The drug has a bactericidal effect and promotes rapid regeneration of damaged skin.

The sedative and antispasmodic effect allows the infusion to be used for central nervous system disorders and gastrointestinal ulcers. The tincture treats hormonal disorders, goiter, and gynecology.

To prepare a tincture for external use, add vodka to the dry herb (for 1 teaspoon of raw material - 5 teaspoons of vodka) and leave it in a dark place for at least 5 days. If you purchased the medicine at a pharmacy, take 25 drops dissolved in 50 ml of water. Dosage frequency: 3 times a day, before meals.

Decoction

The remedy treats certain types of oncology, hypertension, nervous disorders, rheumatism, intestinal infections, dysentery, inflammation of the genitourinary organs, epileptic symptoms, gout.

According to the recipe, you need to take 0.5 liters of water for 1 teaspoon of chopped dried raw materials. Steam the broth for half an hour, filter and dilute with boiled water. Drink at the table. l. 3 rubles/day after meal.

If the liquid is intended for irrigation (for gynecological problems), the proportions are different: for 25 g of raw material, take 1 liter of water.

Infusion

The medicine is prescribed for gout, rheumatism, swelling, hemorrhoids, hernias of various locations, diarrhea, insomnia, anemia, kidney pathologies, inflammation, female diseases, bleeding, psoriasis, leukemia, hepatitis, gastrointestinal pathologies, diabetes.

Meadowsweet infusion for rheumatism of the joints

According to the recipe for 1 tsp. crushed meadowsweet roots, you need a glass of boiled water (can be cold). Leave for 8 hours and drink everything within 24 hours.

Flower tea

1 tsp is enough for a cup of water. flower tea. You need to brew for 5 minutes. Tea works as a diuretic, is effective for diseases of the genitourinary system, relieves the symptoms of stomach pain, and strengthens the immune system.

Ointment

The product is used externally for rheumatism and skin diseases. Prepare 20 g of dry root, ground in a mortar or coffee grinder into powder. Add 90 g of cow butter (Vaseline is also suitable as a base). The product is rubbed into the problem area 3-4 times per day.

Meadowsweet ointment

Lungwort for weight correction

When used correctly, meadowsweet helps to lose excess weight. Like any natural diuretic, meadowsweet infusion helps remove excess fluid from the body and improve metabolic processes.

Flower tea tastes good, does not require sweeteners, and does not increase blood sugar. The drink is recommended to be included in the diet of diabetics.

Harvesting meadowsweet

Whitecap flowers are usually collected as medicinal raw materials. The best time to collect is July-August, the period of mass flowering. The panicles are cut to the first leaf and dried in the shade in a draft at a moderate temperature.

Raw materials should be stored in a tightly closed box. Properly prepared raw materials will be brown in color, have a characteristic odor and a bitter-tart taste.

If you need to prepare meadowsweet roots, it is better to dig them up in the off-season. Freeing the rhizomes from the soil and stems, they are washed in cool water, cut into pieces of 10-15 cm and dried under the same conditions, laid out in a layer of up to 1 cm on cloth or paper.

Can be stored in bags or containers made of wood or glass. The shelf life of this product is 3 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

Reproduction methods

Meadowsweet can be propagated in several ways: by dividing the bush, by seeds and part of the rhizome.

Growing from seeds

Meadowsweet seeds require natural stratification and hardening. That is why it is recommended to sow them before winter. To begin with, from the area chosen for sowing, you need to remove all the weeds, after which it is moistened. The seeds of this plant are highly photosensitivity. In this regard, it is recommended to sow them in a shaded place (not in the shade). Later, the grown seedlings can be planted in a permanent place.

Seed material should be buried no more than 50 mm into the soil. Otherwise, the sprouts will not be able to break through the thick layer of soil. The distance between seeds should be from 0.3 to 0.4 m. Thanks to such sparse planting, young plants will be able to grow and develop within normal limits without interfering with each other.

The first seedlings should appear in the second half of April or in the first half of May. They are characterized by very slow growth. As a rule, by the end of the season, up to five leaf blades are formed on each bush. In this form they spend the winter under the snow. The bushes will bloom for the first time only in the second or third year of growth. If the plant is in unsuitable conditions for growth, it may bloom much later.

If desired, seeds can be sown in the spring. Before sowing, seed material needs to be prepared. To do this, it is immersed for some time in a solution of a growth stimulator, for example, Novosil or Zircon. Crops need timely and proper moisture, as well as shading, which can be artificial or natural. But even if you do everything correctly, be prepared for the fact that the seeds will not germinate when sowing in spring.

Meadowsweet seeds remain viable, as a rule, for 6 years. However, the germination period can be significantly reduced; this is greatly influenced by the place of collection or cultivation.

If you nevertheless decide to sow meadowsweet in the spring, then keep in mind that the bushes that appear will grow extremely slowly, and their first flowering will not occur earlier than in the third or fourth year of growth. Therefore, despite the fact that you sow meadowsweet in the spring, it will bloom much later than the bushes that grew after winter sowing.

Dividing the bush

Propagation of meadowsweet by dividing the bush is more popular among gardeners than by seeds. You can divide the bush into parts in the autumn, when it has finished blooming, or at the very beginning of spring - from March to April. When choosing the time to divide the bush, you should remember that after a spring transplant, meadowsweet will bloom later than after an autumn transplant.

Dig the bush out of the ground and divide its rhizome into several parts. It is recommended to plant the divisions in the soil immediately after division. If you divided the plant in the fall, but plan to plant the divisions only in the spring, in order to preserve them, it is recommended to bury parts of the bush in moistened sawdust or soil.

When planting cuttings, a distance of at least half a meter should be maintained between them. They should be buried no more than 50 mm into the soil. In the hole, the roots should be positioned horizontally, with the pointed tips of the buds pointing upward. Remember that there should be no weeds or plant debris near young bushes. Also, do not forget about good drainage and constant soil moisture. The cuttings take root quite well, and they bloom much earlier than bushes grown from seeds.