Meadowsweet
Filipendula ulmaria
---Flavor Profile and Uses
---Identification
---Harvesting Instructions
- Pleasant, sweet ,and slightly astringent flavor when used in teas, can also be taken as a tincture
- A precursor to aspirin due to its salicylic acid content which reduces inflammation and is analgesic
- Reduces pain, brings down fevers, treats diarrhea, and soothes the stomach
- Can help any time the body is inflamed, including when suffering from colds and flus
---Identification
- Found in full sun – partial shade and rich soil with plenty of fertility and moisture
- Can grow quite tall and has striking, pinnate, deeply 3 – 5 lobbed leaves that are green on top and silvery underneath
- Flowers are small white clusters that grow at the top of stalks
- Fragrance is sweet and strong
---Harvesting Instructions
- Harvest when in full bloom in midsummer on a dry, sunny day by cutting all aerial parts
- Easy to over-dry and loose medicinal value - hang in bundles upside down in an area protected from the elements with good airflow and check regularly or for small amounts, in a single layer on a drying rack
- When plants begin to crumble easily, remove foliage and flowers from stems and store in an airtight container (preferably with paper or desiccation packets added to absorb moisture and prevent molding over time)
Carpenter, Jeff, and Carpenter, Melanie. The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2015.