Filipendula

Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet) ~ also known as Queen of the Meadow and Mead Wort (historically used to flavour mead). Meadowsweet is in full bloom at the moment so you may have noticed it, or more likely smelt it if you have been out and about. Much to my delight I came across and harvested some Meadowsweet in Fair Isle where it grows in abundance. Wet, marshland areas around ponds and streams are the best places to look for Meadowsweet. The whole length of the Tingwall valley is a great place to appreciate this plant at the moment.

Meadowsweet is cooling and drying and is most often used for it's antacid properties. It is astringent so it soothes and protects the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract while at the same time reducing excess acid; making it one of the best digestive remedies available for use in the treatment of reflux and stomach ulcers. Meadowsweet contains Salicylate compounds, including Salicylic acid (famously from Willow) and Salicin, making it similar to Aspirin (anti-inflammatory) but without the negative side-effects. In fact, the name Aspirin is derived from the then botanical name of Meadowsweet, Spiraea ulmaria. As an anti-inflammatory it can be used for pain relief and managing a fever.

Meadowsweet tastes lovely and is a key herb in my Fire in the Belly tea, which is used specifically for the treatment of heartburn.