Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is said to be one of the three herbs
held most sacred by the ancient Druids
and indeed, it was the plant from which aspirin was first derived
as meadowsweets old Latin name Spiraea attests to.
It is a member of the Rose family
and as such is a graceful and fragrant plant which grows
which grows along waterways and in damp meadows
- you can often smell its delicate perfume before you spot the plant!
The flowers are creamy-white and the leaves are fern-like,
dark-green on top while white and hairy underneath.
All the upper parts of meadowsweet are used medicinally,
that is the leaves and flowers.
Like so many of the flowers and leaves that are harvested in summer,
it is really worthwhile to dry your surplus harvest
since many of these herbs are so useful for winter ailments
It's almost as if you are saving summer's heat
to drive away the winter colds and flus
Meadowsweet is no exception
being an excellent remedy for fevers and chills,
especially where the joints are feeling achey.
Meadowsweet is also excellent to reduce excess acid in the stomach,
such as when you have an ulcer,
and it helps to clear up diarrhoea, especially in children.
To make meadowsweet tea,
take a small handful of the fresh plant
or a teaspoon of the dried herb
and add a cup of boiling water. Let sit for 5-10 mins, strain and drink while warm.
Let sit for 5-10 mins, strain and drink while warm.