Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet aka queen of the meadow (Filipendula ulmaria) is a perennial herb. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9. Meadowsweet is native to Europe and temperate Asia. In traditional medicine meadowsweet is used for the treatment of headaches, which is reasonable given that it is known to contain significant concentrations of salicylic acid.

Meadowsweet was commonly used as a strewing herb. It was scattered over floors of dwelling places to perfume and disinfect the room. “Queen Elizabeth of famous memory, did more desire it than any other herb to strew her chambers withal”, The Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes by John Gerard.

Meadowsweet was also used to flavor and preserve ale, often with yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and other herbs. Ale brewed in this fashion is known as gruit, and it is now enjoying a modest revival in popularity. Gruit is often available in February and early March in acknowledgement of the first of February which is International Gruit Day. (The term “gruit” is also used to describe a mixture of dried herbs, not including hops, which is intended for use in brewing.)

In the Victorian language of flowers meadowsweet represents “uselessness”. Perhaps this view is a reflection of temperance sentiments among upper class Victorian women?

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