Name: Meadowsweet

Biological name: Filipendula ulmaria        

Parts used: Flowers, tops and leaves

Contains: Citric acid, essential oils, flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, gaultherin, iron, magnesium, phenolic glycosides, polyphenols, salicylic glycosides, salicylic acid, salts, silica, spiraeine, tannins, vitamin c and volatile oils.

Reported actions: analgesic, antacid, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antiulcer, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, pain reliever, relaxant, stomachic, eliminates toxic wastes and uric acid.

May assist with: Meadowsweet can protect and soothe the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and prevent overacidity in the stomach. Known as the best digestive and antacid remedy available. It can be used to re-build digestive systems during recovery from heavy drug administering and assist ulceration caused by drugs. It may benefit any pain caused by inflammation and heat. It can speed the healing of connective tissues and helps resolve pain and inflammation. Known to have an aspirin effect on arteries and veins, and will assist with blood disorders. 

It is said to clean the skin and promote tissue repair. Meadowsweet has shown to have benefited eruptive skin infections, skin irritations, wounds and ulcers. This herb brings blood to the surface of the body and causes sweating, so it could be used for anhydrosis, colds, fever, feverish colds, flu and all eruptive infections.

Precautions: Watch for hypersensitivity to the salicylates. Be careful with its tannin content, they can reduce the absorption of some minerals and should not be taken at the same time. Tannins can inhibit iron absorption by about 20%. Its silica content has centrifugal actions. It has the ability to move things to the surface and it should not be given if foreign bodies are lodged next to vital organs. Those with implants and pins should avoid any silica intake.

Notes: Diuretics can deplete the horse’s potassium levels. If administering herbs with this action, it is a good idea to increase potassium levels in their diet (preferably not at the same time).

Herbal supplements should never replace evidence-based management and treatment. This article is not intended as veterinary advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions for your horse based upon research and in partnership with a qualified equine veterinarian and nutritionist.