Evidence supporting the use of: Meadowsweet
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) has a long history of traditional use for various ailments, including as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving herb. In European folk medicine, it has sometimes been used to ease general aches, pains, and fevers, and there are anecdotal accounts of its use for menstrual discomfort, likely due to its mild analgesic properties. The plant contains salicylates (related to the active component in aspirin), tannins, and flavonoids, which can contribute to its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
However, there is little scientific research directly supporting the use of meadowsweet specifically for menstrual cramps. Most available evidence comes from traditional herbal practice rather than clinical trials. No robust clinical studies have demonstrated its efficacy for dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) in humans. Therefore, while its use for this purpose is rooted in tradition and plausible based on its general analgesic effects, scientific validation is lacking. Overall, the evidence base is weak and primarily historical.
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
False Unicorn Root
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by Meadowsweet
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Arthritis
Backache
Belching
Bruises (healing)
Colds (general)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Cough (general)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Sore Throat
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores