Meadowsweet was one of the three most sacred
plants used by Celtic Druids. The analgesic substance salicin was first
isolated from Meadowsweet in 1827. Salicylic acid was first synthesized
in 1859 and provided the basis for the commercial synthesis of acetyl
salicylic acid (ASA), commonly known as aspirin. The word aspirin owes
its origin to the original genus name of Meadowsweet, Spiraea, having
been coined from “a” (for acetyl) and “spirin” (from Spiraea).
The presence of aspirin-like chemicals explains
Meadowsweet's action in reducing fever and relieving the pain of
rheumatism in muscles and joints. Herbalists have long held that natural
aspirin-like compounds acting together have a gentler, more
long-lasting pharmacological effect than the synthetic aspirin.
Meadowsweet also contains many of the anti-inflammatory phytochemicals noted in connection with other herbs above.