Evidence supporting the use of: Meadowsweet
For the health condition: Colic (children)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) has a long history of traditional use in European herbal medicine, particularly for digestive complaints in both adults and children. Historical texts, including those from the Eclectic and Physiomedical traditions of the 19th and early 20th centuries, mention meadowsweet as a remedy for stomach upsets, diarrhea, and colic. The plant contains salicylates, tannins, and flavonoids, which are believed to contribute to its gentle anti-inflammatory, astringent, and soothing actions on the gastrointestinal tract.

For children, meadowsweet was sometimes recommended by herbalists as a tea or infusion to ease colic and restlessness, though always in small amounts and with caution due to the salicylate content. There are no modern clinical trials or robust scientific studies that specifically validate its effectiveness for colic in children. Most references to its use for pediatric colic are found in traditional herbal compendia, anecdotal reports, and some older European pharmacopoeias. Because of the lack of contemporary research and the potential risks associated with salicylates in children (notably the theoretical risk of Reye’s syndrome), its use for colic today is generally not recommended by mainstream medical sources. In summary, while there is traditional evidence for the use of meadowsweet in children with colic, there is little to no scientific validation for this practice.

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