Description

Botanical name: Filipendula ulmaria

Origin: Bulgaria

Meadowsweet is a perennial shrub in the rose family known by several other common names, including Lady of the Meadow, Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort and Meadsweet. The latter refers to the use of the almond-scented, creamy white flowers in the production of beer and a sweet honey wine commonly called mead. Meadowsweet was also a common strewing herb used to mask the unpleasant odors resulting from poor sanitary conditions. The leaves and flowers of meadowsweet are used in herbal tea blends and to make infusions, ointments and salves. Of special note is the fact that the herb contains salicylic acid, the forerunner of modern aspirin.