Meadowsweet: origin, preparation and benefits

Learn more about meadowsweet or Filipendula ulmaria

Like the burnet, wild cherry or rose, the meadowsweet belongs to the Rosaceae family. Up to 150 cm tall, this honey-bearing plant has sturdy, dark-red stems and two-tone leaves. Large and hairless, meadowsweet leaves are similar to those of abalone. They are dark green on top and felted white on the underside. Meadowsweet flowers are small but particularly numerous. Appearing in June, these yellowish-white flowers in the form of false branched umbels are much appreciated by bees. One of the reasons for this is that the flowers are very fragrant. Their fragrance is quite similar to that of almonds: strong and sweet. Symbolizing good luck and happiness, meadowsweet flowers are often used in bridal bouquets. Taking the form of a spiral, the fruit of bee grass curls like a helix. It is from this characteristic that the plant derives its name “Spiraea ulmaria”. The name Filipendula, on the other hand, is explained by the slender nature of its roots, which are shaped like hanging threads. Meadowsweet grows wild in Asia and Europe. It is also found throughout France, at altitudes of up to 1700 meters. Beeswax prefers humid environments to dry regions. But it’s not uncommon to find huge colonies of meadowsweet in open forests, meadows and on the banks of ponds.

About using meadowsweet

Phytotherapy uses the plant’s aerial parts to promote the body’s well-being. Indeed, the main active compounds are found in the leaves and flowers of meadowsweet. The roots may also contain a greater or lesser amount of active ingredients. These act synergistically to stimulate the body’s elimination functions. Meadowsweet extracts are diuretic, increasing renal elimination of water and promoting proper functioning of the urinary tract. In phytotherapy, the leaves and flowers of bee grass are always dried after harvesting. They are then powdered and made available to the general public in tablet or capsule form. Meadowsweet extracts are also available as herbal teas. Delicious, they are commonly consumed as digestives. To be effective, a cure must be part of a varied and balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle is also recommended. In addition to its use in phytotherapy, meadowsweet is also an excellent ingredient in cooking. The plant’s leaves and flowers are macerated in wine or beer. They transform sweet white wine into muscatel and impart a pleasant almond flavor to mead. Meadowsweet extracts are also used to flavor drinks, desserts and creams. Meadowsweet sorbets are particularly delicious. Finally, we recommend placing the plant’s leaves and flowers in a pretty dish to eliminate any unpleasant odours in the home.

About using meadowsweet

Phytotherapy uses the plant’s aerial parts to promote the body’s well-being. Indeed, the main active compounds are found in the leaves and flowers of meadowsweet. The roots may also contain a greater or lesser amount of active ingredients. These act synergistically to stimulate the body’s elimination functions. Meadowsweet extracts are diuretic, increasing renal elimination of water and promoting proper functioning of the urinary tract. In phytotherapy, the leaves and flowers of bee grass are always dried after harvesting. They are then powdered and made available to the general public in tablet or capsule form. Meadowsweet extracts are also available as herbal teas. Delicious, they are commonly consumed as digestives. To be effective, a cure must be part of a varied and balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle is also recommended. In addition to its use in phytotherapy, meadowsweet is also an excellent ingredient in cooking. The plant’s leaves and flowers are macerated in wine or beer. They transform sweet white wine into muscatel and impart a pleasant almond flavor to mead. Meadowsweet extracts are also used to flavor drinks, desserts and creams. Meadowsweet sorbets are particularly delicious. Finally, we recommend placing the plant’s leaves and flowers in a pretty dish to eliminate any unpleasant odours in the home.