At a glance
- Common name
- Meadowsweet
- Botanical name
- Filipendula ulmaria
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Parts mentioned in historical records
- Flowering tops, aerial leaves
- Traditional correspondences
- Jupiter / Venus; Water
Historical record
One of the three sacred herbs of the Celtic Druids (with vervain and mint). In 1897, Bayer synthesized acetylsalicylic acid from its salicin content and coined the trade name 'Aspirin' from Spiraea (meadowsweet's old genus).
Folklore and mythology
Strewn across banquet floors in Elizabethan England; Queen Elizabeth I prized it above all other strewing herbs for its intoxicating honey-almond scent. Sprinkled in water to divine whether a thief would confess.
In the Welsh Mabinogion, the magical maiden Blodeuwedd ('Flower Face') was conjured by magicians Math and Gwydion out of the blossoms of meadowsweet, oak, and broom.
Tradition: Celtic & Welsh Associated figures: Blodeuwedd & Celtic Druids
In the Welsh Mabinogi, Math and Gwydion formed the maiden Blodeuwedd out of the blossoms of meadowsweet, oak, and broom; one of the Druids' three holiest herbs.
Favored strewing herb of Queen Elizabeth I; cast into calm waters to uncover identity of thieves; bridal headdresses.
Mystical correspondences
Correspondences vary by tradition and source.
Safety first
Historical and spiritual associations do not establish that Meadowsweet is safe or effective. Do not use this page as instructions for ingesting, smoking, inhaling, or applying Meadowsweet.
For current safety information, check a health authority or ask a qualified clinician or pharmacist, especially during pregnancy or lactation, while taking medication, or with an allergy or health condition.