Meadowsweet
Useful mainly for people wanting a traditional herbal remedy for mild dyspepsia or heartburn.
Quick decision guide
May help most
people wanting a traditional herbal remedy for mild dyspepsia or heartburn
Common dosing range
2.5–3.5 g dried herb as tea, or equivalent extract, up to a few times daily
When to expect effects
Hours to days
Watch out for
Contains salicylates; avoid if aspirin-sensitive or on anticoagulants
What is it
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a flowering herb whose aerial parts and flowers contain salicylates (precursors related to aspirin) and tannins. It is traditionally taken as a tea or extract for digestive complaints and minor aches. Modern human evidence is sparse, so most uses rest on tradition and preliminary laboratory data.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
mild dyspepsia and heartburn Mixed Evidence | Unclear | adults with occasional indigestion or mild gastric discomfort | Hours to days |
minor aches and inflammation Mixed Evidence | Unclear | adults seeking a mild salicylate-containing herbal for minor discomfort | Hours |
mild dyspepsia and heartburn
- Effect
- Unclear
- Best fit
- adults with occasional indigestion or mild gastric discomfort
- Time
- Hours to days
minor aches and inflammation
- Effect
- Unclear
- Best fit
- adults seeking a mild salicylate-containing herbal for minor discomfort
- Time
- Hours
Evidence for 2 uses
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
mild dyspepsia and heartburn
Mechanism onlyMeadowsweet is traditionally used for gastric complaints and contains tannins and salicylates with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties shown mainly in laboratory and animal models. Controlled human trials for dyspepsia or heartburn are essentially absent. Its reputation rests on long-standing folk use rather than clinical evidence.
Bottom line: A traditional digestive herb with plausible but clinically unproven benefit.
minor aches and inflammation
Mechanism onlyThe plant contains salicylate compounds that are mechanistically related to aspirin and may exert mild anti-inflammatory effects. Human analgesic or anti-inflammatory trials are lacking, so the salicylate content is suggestive rather than demonstrated to relieve symptoms. Effective doses and reliability are unknown.
Bottom line: Salicylate content gives a mechanistic rationale, but symptom relief is unproven in people.
How to take it
What to track
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Who should avoid it
- People allergic or sensitive to aspirin/salicylates
- People on anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs
- Asthmatics sensitive to salicylates
- Children and teens with viral illness (Reye's syndrome concern)
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to salicylate content and lack of safety data.
Interactions
Additive salicylate effect may increase bleeding risk
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
References by claim
Track Meadowsweet with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.