Meadowsweet
Meadowsweet is a plant whose parts growing above the ground are used to make medicine. Meadowsweet is used for colds, bronchitis, stomach upset, heartburn, stomach ulcers and joint problems including gout. It is also used to increase urine output and kill germs in the urine of people suffering from bladder infections.
How does meadowsweet work?
Meadowsweet contains tannins, which may relieve inflammation and reduce mucus production. It also contains small amounts of salicylates, which are similar to aspirin.
How effective is meadowsweet?
There is not enough scientific data to say how effective meadowsweet is for bronchitis, heartburn, stomach upsets, stomach ulcers, gout, joint problems and bladder infections. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of meadowsweet in these applications.
Safety and side effects
True meadowsweet may be safe and harmless for most people when used appropriately. It may cause stomach discomfort including nausea. Skin irritation and a feeling of tightness in the lungs may also occur.
If taken in large quantities or over a long period of time, meadowsweet may not be safe and harmless. Too much meadowsweet can cause blood in the stool, vomiting, tinnitus, kidney problems and other side effects.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It is not safe to use meadowsweet during pregnancy. There is evidence that it may cause contractions of the uterus, which can lead to miscarriage.
Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of meadowsweet during breastfeeding, so breastfeeding women should avoid meadowsweet to be on the safe side.
Aspirin allergy: Meadowsweet contains chemicals similar to aspirin. There are concerns that people who are allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to meadowsweet.
Asthma: Meadowsweet can cause lung spasms and there are concerns that it may aggravate asthma.
Interactions
Care should be taken when combining meadowsweet with the following medications:
Aspirin
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to aspirin. Taking meadowsweet in combination with aspirin could increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.
Choline magnesium trisalicylate
Meadowsweet contains chemicals similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate. Taking meadowsweet in combination with choline magnesium trisalicylate could increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Medication for pain (narcotic medication)
The body breaks down some painkillers in order to excrete them. Meadowsweet may reduce the rate at which the body breaks down some pain medications. By slowing down the breakdown of these drugs, meadowsweet may increase the effects and side effects of some pain medications.
Salsalad
Salsalate is a salicylate that is similar to aspirin. Meadowsweet also contains a salicylate that is similar to aspirin. Taking salsalate in combination with meadowsweet may increase the amount of salicylates in the body too much, which may increase the effects and side effects of these salicylates.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of meadowsweet depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for meadowsweet. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.