Meadowsweet
(Spiraea alba)
There are approximately 80 - 100 species in the genus Spiraea. The most common in the great lakes region is White Meadowsweet, (Spiraea alba). Most of the varied species share main characteristics, and all have similar medicinal qualities. The advantage of Spiraea over willow or other Salix spp. is that the Methyl Salicylate levels are constant from plant to plant, and species to species.
Range:
Family:
Roseaceae - Rose Family
Growth Type:
Perennial shrub
Height:
2 - 6 feet tall
Leaves:
Alternate leaves (up to 3" long and ¾" across) occur along the young branches of this shrub; they are densely distributed along these branches. The leaves are narrowly ovate, sharply serrated, pinnately veined, and glabrous (rarely sparsely hairy underneath); they have short petioles. The upper side of each leaf is medium green, while its lower side is pale green.
Stem/Trunk:
Young branches are green and glabrous, but they become smooth, brown, and woody with age. This plant is sparingly branched.
Root:
Woody.
Flower Season:
Mid to late summer
Flower Appearance:
Arranged in torch shaped panicles each white flower is about ¼" across. consisting of 5 white petals, 5 light green sepals, 5 light green pistils, and numerous stamens (20 or more).
Seed/Fruit:
Not observed
Miscellaneous characteristics:
N/A
Habitat:
Spiraea prefers full sun, poorly drain locations, low areas along streams, edges of marshes, bogs, and ditches
Parts Used:
Entire plant
Uses:
Culinary Uses:
None Known
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Bitter
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying
Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Spiraea contain Methyl Salicylate, the precursor to modern aspirin. Spiraea does not cause the stomach problems associated with aspirin use. Tea brewed from the Meadowsweet has been used for pain relief, rheumatism, and to alleviate fevers.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Analgesic,
Antiarthritic,
Anti-Inflammatory,
Antirheumatic,
Febrifuge
Herbal Preparations For Spiraea alba
Infusion
Part Used: Whole flowering plant
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped plant material into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 3-6 oz up to four times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Whole flowering plant
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 60%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh leaves, then pour in 600 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 150 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 60-90 drop up to four times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Whole flowering plant
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried plant material into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 60-90 drop up to four times daily
