Meadowsweet tea has long been recognized in the realm of traditional folk medicine as being effective in the treatment of coughs and colds. Its vaunted health effects have leapt into the sphere of modern medicine and proof shows that the German government officially recognizes meadowsweet tea as a mode of treatment for cough and cold.
Meadowsweet is a perennial herb belonging to the Rosaceae family that is mostly found in Western Asia and in Europe. It has also been naturalized in the United States.
Typically growing in moist meadows, meadowsweet grows up to a height of 3 to 7 feet. It has white and delicate flowers that are found in clusters called cymes. It has dark green leaves with a whitish underneath.
Meadowsweet has a strong scent and flavor. As such, meadowsweet is often used to flavor stew dishes, wine, and vinegars. It is also used as a form of air freshener.
Among the active constituents of meadowsweet tea are compounds of salicylic acid, glycosides, tannins and essential oils. The makers of aspirin derived some compounds of salicylic acid from meadowsweet and that is credited with the drug’s anti-sedative and painkilling functions. Consult with your physician first before using this to treat disorders and ailments.
Meadowsweet tea can be made by infusing about 1 teaspoon of dried meadowsweet herbs (usually leaves and aerial parts) into a cup of boiling water. Let it simmer and steep for about 10 minutes, letting the salicylic acid be released. Then strain and drink.
Here are some health benefits attributed to this herbal tea:
- Meadowsweet tea may help relieve coughs and colds.
- Meadowsweet tea may help relieve flu and fever.
- Meadowsweet tea may help get rid of headaches.
- Meadowsweet tea may help alleviate pain from arthritis and rheumatism.
- Meadowsweet tea may alleviate diarrhea.