> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Meadowsweet & Heartburn - URL: https://betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io/meadowsweet-heartburn/ - Published: 2026-11-02T15:45:12.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-02T15:45:12.000Z - Author: 442252 **Common Names:** Meadowsweet/ Meadwort/ Queen of the meadow (Chevalier, 2023). **Scientific name:** *Filipendula ulmaria* (L.) Maxim. / *Spiraea ulmaria* L*.* (RBGK, 2026). Native to Europe and Northern Asia meadowsweet can be found in the damp sunny places, gracing meadows and riversides adorned in a frothy crown of creamy white flowers, with glossy green grooved leaves and a characteristic almond like aroma, see figure 1 (Fisher, 2018). Regarded as sacred by the druids, meadowsweet has been an invaluable medicine used throughout history for a variety of conditions including digestive issues, fever and arthritis. A herb with an affinity for the digestive system, it was traditionally considered a tonic for the digestive tract (Bone & Mills, 2013). Its traditional uses are still valid in modern herbal practice and it is recognised as a specific herb for treatment of heartburn (Mcintyre, 2019). ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/naturalherbsclinic-heartburn-5273873.jpg) ****Figure 2.** **Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease* (Naturalherbsclinic,2020). ### Heartburn Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced in the chest caused by stomach acid travelling up into the oesophagus (see figure 2). If the issue becomes chronic it is called Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (NHS, 2023). It can be painful and over time it can be damaging to the oesophagus lining therefore it is important to take steps to manage the condition (Bone & Mills, 2013). Symptoms can present as a persistent cough, hiccoughs, bad breath, a sour taste in the mouth, bloating or nausea and can be worse when lying down or bending over (NHS, 2023). Heartburn is a symptom of functional dyspepsia; digestive dysfunction but with no clear pathology identified (Francis & Zavala, 2024). Causes can include tension in the diaphragm and overproduction of stomach acid(Bone & Mills, 2013). Contributing factors can be lifestyle related. Symptoms can be eased by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding acidic foods, wearing loose fitting clothing and avoidance of smoking or alcohol. If symptoms persist or you notice any other symptoms such as trouble swallowing, frequent vomiting or weight loss it is important to see a GP or qualified medical herbalist (NHS, 2023). See this article on Herbal Reality for more in depth information: [https://www.herbalreality.com/health-lifestyle/digestion-nutrition/5-herbs-instead-antacids/](https://www.herbalreality.com/health-lifestyle/digestion-nutrition/5-herbs-instead-antacids/?ref=betonica-school-of-herbal-medicine.ghost.io) ### Meadowsweet's therapeutic action Energetically meadowsweet is cooling and soothing, making it a choice herb to balance and tame the heat and discomfort of acid reflux. The cooling effects come in part from the mucilage present in the plant which gently coats and protects the inflamed esophageal tissue. It also contains salicylates (the compound from which aspirin was developed) and flavonoids; compounds which reduce inflammation, provide pain relief and speed healing (Ganora, 2021; Mills & Bone, 2013). Meadowsweet has antacid action which means it reduces excess acidity in the digestive tract, it also contains astringent tannins which bind and tighten tissues , protecting them from further irritation and inflammation (Mcintyre, 2019). Meadowsweet is not endangered. It is listed as 'of least concern' on the IUCN red list (2026). ### **Safety** Should not be used by individuals with salicylate sensitivity, has possible interactions with anticoagulants medications such as warfarin. It is advised not to take meadowsweet if you are experiencing anaemia, are malnourished or have constipation (Thomsen, 2022). If you are struggling with heartburn or other health issues and wish to seek herbal advice you can contact me through the email address on the contact page of this website. I am a qualified, insured, NIMH registered medical herbalist. ### **References** Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). *Principles and practice of phytotherapy: Modern herbal medicine* (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. Chevalier, A., (2023). *Encyclopedia of herbal medicine* (4th ed.). Dorling Kindersley. Fisher, C. (2018). *Materia medica of western herbs* (2nd ed.). Aeon Books. Francis, P., & Zavala, S. R. (2024, June 8). *Functional dyspepsia*. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554563/ Ganora, L. (2021). *Herbal constituents: Foundations of phytochemistry* (2nd ed.). HerbalChem Press. IUCN. (2026). *The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species*. IUCN Red List; International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. https://www.iucnredlist.org/ Mcintyre, A. (2019). *The complete herbal tutor*. Aeon Books. NHS. (2023, November 20). *Heartburn and acid reflux*. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/ Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBGK). (2026). *Filipendula ulmaria* (L.) Maxim. Plants of the World Online (POWO). https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:724943-1/general-information Thomsen, M. (2022). *The phytotherapy desk reference* (6th ed.). Aeon Books. **Figures** Dodd, F. (2026). *Meadowsweet.*\[Photograph\]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/fluffy-white-flowers-growing-beside-dark-blue-water-AIOH97n\_r-o Naturalherbsclinic. (2020). *Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.* \[Photograph\]. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/photos/heartburn-heartburn-symptoms-5273873/ --- ### **Mock Social Media Post** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/38/c73825ce-926e-4074-bdb7-340dec180829/content/images/2026/10/fiona-dodd-AIOH97n_r-o-unsplash-1.jpg) Meadowsweet is a herb with an affinity for the digestive system! Go to my blog to find out more about this wonderful herb and how it can be used to treat heartburn: Click here to sign up to my online newsletter! (INSERT LINK) Instagram:@betonicaschoolofherbalmedicine Facebook: @Betonica