Meadowsweet Herb c/s, Wild Crafted, 1/4 lb
Meadowsweet is a perennial shrub in the rose family known by several other common names, including Lady of the Meadow, Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort and Meadsweet. The latter refers to the use of the almond-scented, creamy white flowers in the production of beer and a sweet honey wine commonly called mead. Meadowsweet was also a common strewing herb used to mask the unpleasant odors resulting from poor sanitary conditions. The leaves and flowers of meadowsweet are used in herbal tea blends and to make infusions, ointments and salves. Of special note is the fact that the herb contains salicylic acid, the forerunner of modern aspirin.
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Known as Queen of the Meadow, Bridewort and Meadwort, meadowsweet is an Old World member of the rose family renowned for its highly fragrant flower clusters.
For centuries, the flowers have been woven into bridal garlands and to flavor vinegars, beer and a honey wine called mead. The flowers and leaves were a popular strewing material cast upon the floor to mask unpleasant odors associated with poor sanitation. Reputedly, Queen Elizabeth fancied meadowsweet to scent her private chambers.
In the late 1800s, a German chemist synthesized acetylsalicylic acid from the herb, which was later marketed by his employer, Bayer AG, under the name "aspirin.” Today, meadowsweet is used in tea blends and to prepare topical ointments and salves.
