Meadowsweet Heartburn Tea Recipe

Meadowsweet tea and extractions have been taken as a folk remedy to help with stomach acid and digestive upset for generations.  In 1897, Bayer AG created a synthetic version of the key constituent in meadowsweet, salicin, and named the product aspirin, after the botanical name of meadowsweet: Spiraea ulmaria (1).  In recent in vitro and in vivo scientific studies this age old herb has shown to reduce digestive inflammation and pain related to its salicylic acid constituent (2, 3, 4).  Further research has discussed meadowsweet for acid reflux (5).

Meadowsweet Tea Ingredients

• ​2 cups of pure apple juice, no sugar added
• 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp of dried meadowsweet
• 2 Tbsp of honey

​Meadowsweet Tea Instructions

Heat the apple juice and apple cider vinegar to a boil.  Add meadowsweet.  Then, cover and remove from heat, infusing for 10 minutes.  Strain out the herb and add honey to taste.  Drink immediately.

Possible Contra-indications of Meadowsweet Tea

• Those with asthma may also have Samter’s triad, in which they are also allergic to aspirin.  Those allergic to aspirin will also likely be allergic to meadowsweet (6).
• Avoid with pregnancy; may stimulate uterine activity; avoid with lactation; avoid with children especially if they have fever related to a risk of Reye’s Syndrome (7).
• Avoid long term use and large amounts due to tannin content (8).
• May cause skin rash, gastric upset, urinary acidity, nephrotoxicity, renal irritation, blood thinning, and tinnitus (7).
• Possible drug interactions with aspirin, acetaminophen, blood thinners, antihistamines, salsalate, narcotics, and choline magnesium trisalicylate (7).

Research

1. Jack, D. B. (1997). One hundred years of aspirin. The Lancet, 350(9075), 437.
2. Drummond, E. M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Martyn, D., Jacquier, J. C., O’riordan, D., & Gibney, E. R. (2013). Inhibition of proinflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages by polyphenols derived from chamomile, meadowsweet and willow bark. Phytotherapy Research, 27(4), 588-594.
3. Samardžić, S., Arsenijević, J., Božić, D., Milenković, M., Tešević, V., & Maksimović, Z. (2018). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 213, 132-137.
4. Katanić, J., Boroja, T., Mihailović, V., Nikles, S., Pan, S. P., Rosić, G., … & Bauer, R. (2016). In vitro and in vivo assessment of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) as anti-inflammatory agent. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 193, 627-636.
5. Olivier, R. (2014). Specific botanicals as an aid for acid reflux. Published on the web on Jan, 9.
6. From:  Jenkins, C., Costello, J., & Hodge, L. (2004). Systematic review of prevalence of aspirin induced asthma and its implications for clinical practice. Bmj, 328(7437), 434.
7. Natural Medicine (2015).  Meadowsweet Monograph.  Retrieved in May, 2017.  Retrieved from www.naturalmedicines.com
8. ACHS (2017). Course Material: Herb502: Meadowsweet Monograph.  From: www.achs.edu

By: Kathy Sadowski

Posted; 10/16/18

The listings of research represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use. These statements are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any diseases. The information at this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult a Doctor before using herbs and essential oils if you have medical conditions, are taking medications, or have questions.