Contents
WHEN YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE MEADOWSWEET
What is meadowsweet and what it is used?
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a perennial plant found in Europe, temperate Asia and North America.
The active ingredient of the meadowsweet is salicylic acid (flowers) and salicylates, with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-fever properties.
Meadowsweet is one of the most effective natural remedies for stomach ailments as a natural antacid.
What are the contraindications of meadowsweet?
Photo of meadowsweet- Pregnancy and lactation: Meadowsweet is totally contraindicated because it contains salicylates, which can cause side effects. Salicylates cross the placental barrier and breast until the fetus or baby. In the latter case, salicylates in breast milk can cause rashes on the baby.
- Children under 12 years: Meadowsweet is commonly used to treat childhood diarrhea. However, because it contains salicylates, there is a risk of causing Reye’s syndrome when given to children under 12 years.
- Digestive Ulcers: Using Filipendula ulmaria is not recommended due to risk of bleeding and possible irritant effects of salicylates on the stomach.
- Asthma: meadowsweet should not be given to people with asthma because it has been described that could cause bronchospasm.
- Drug Interactions: Meadowsweet salicylates may increase the effect of anticoagulants and medication for circulation, for varicose veins or for heart. It contains salicylic acid, which combined with these drugs may increase the effect of blood thinning up to cause bleeding.
- Pre and post surgery: risk of bleeding, DO NOT take some days before or after an operation.
- Tinnitus: people with tinnitus should not take this plant because it causes this symptom.
More information on meadowsweet.
This article was endorsed by Elisenda Carballido - Dietitian nutritionist. Postgraduate in Phytotherapy and master in Nutrition and Metabolism.
