Meadowsweet Notes -- Holmes

Like Valerian, this "Queen of the Meadows" is also a slender light bearer, but of a different kind. It is a vehicle for the light element bioenergetic silica--not the physical element silicon--but the bioenergetic processes that create it. Silica energy creates surface space, encompassing surfaces. Meadowsweet in the human organism therefore reinforces surfaces such as connective and epithelial tissue. Meadowsweet's silica and silicic acid content is applied to chronic connective tissue weakness,in addition to treating messy wounds and skin and mucosal inflammation.

Much about Meadowsweet herb's pharmacological action has been established. Its analgesic property was discovered early and its salicylic acid has been marketed under the name aspirin. This was not because of any particular aspiration of its discoverer, but with reference to Spiraea, Meadowsweet's former botanical name. Moreover its antipyreticand anti-inflammatory actions are due to the same glycosides. Neuralgic conditions (perhaps with reinforcement from Prickly ash bark, for instance), respond well, in this connection. With the happy support of tannins, mucilage and some minerals, these glycosides also generate the broad-acting cholagogue, detoxicant, relaxant, decongestant, astringent and antiseptic actions.

Leaving biochemical pharmacology and moving on to therapeutics, we find Meadowsweet herb applicable in a variety of hot conditions accompanied by unproductive inflammation or fever. Acute and chronic rheumatic, arthritic and gouty conditions with pain, redness and swelling respond particularly well to this remedy. Wind, damp,and heat are dispelled from the skin and channels, and eruptions are made to surface in measles through its diaphoretic action.

Other conditions treated by this remedy include damp heat conditions with exudate and discharge along the mucous membrane; suppurative toxic heat; gastric hyperacidity; and water retention. Meadowsweet's overall symptomatology reminds us of the Chinese botanicals Lonicera Jin Yin Teng (Japanese Honeysucke stem and leaf) and Menispermum Bei Dou Gen (Siberian moonseed).

Meadowsweet is a gentle, yet deep-acting remedy when used continuously. It is perfect for children, sensitive individuals and the elderly.