🪻Slavic & Eastern European Folk Medicine

Meadowsweet (Labaznik)

Filipendula ulmaria

About Meadowsweet (Labaznik)

Meadowsweet (Labaznik) (Filipendula ulmaria) is a herb used in the Slavic & Eastern European Folk Medicine tradition to help with Pain, Fever, Digestive Issues, and Heartburn, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Filipendula ulmaria, commonly known as meadowsweet or mead wort, is a perennial herb in the family Rosaceae that grows in damp meadows. It is native throughout most of Europe and Western Asia (Near east and Middle east). It has been introduced and naturalised in North America.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
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Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Meadowsweet (Labaznik) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
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Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Meadowsweet (Labaznik) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
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Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Meadowsweet (Labaznik) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

Pregnancy

Avoid

Meadowsweet contains natural salicylates (aspirin-related compounds) and is generally avoided in pregnancy for the same reasons aspirin is avoided.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Salicylate content means it's generally used cautiously during breastfeeding.

Children

Avoid

Salicylate-containing herbs are avoided in children and teenagers recovering from viral illness due to a theoretical Reye's syndrome risk.

Contraindications

    Warnings

    ⚠️ Allergic Reactions

    Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

    ⚠️ Not Medical Advice

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

    Drug & herb interactions

    Aspirin, NSAIDs, blood thinners

    Contains natural salicylates — additive effect with other aspirin-like drugs.

    Where to find in nature

    Native region

    Various global regions

    Climate

    Varied

    Habitat

    Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

    🌿 To see Meadowsweet (Labaznik) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

    Where to buy

    In store

    • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
    • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
    • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
    • Farmers markets with herb vendors

    Online

    iHerb

    Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

    Mountain Rose Herbs

    Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

    Starwest Botanicals

    Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

    Herb Pharm

    High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

    Amazon

    Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

    Etsy

    Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

    Quality tips

    When buying Meadowsweet (Labaznik), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.