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13.
FILIPENDULA ULMARIA
Eng.
= Meadowsweet; Ind.
= Gandhali or Gundali
Habitat
and Description
Meadowsweet
is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 6 feet and has toothed
leaves and yellow flowers. It
is native to Europe and now found in all parts of the world, especially
North America and northern Asia. It
contains volatile oil, salicylates, phenolic glycosides, tannins and
flavonoids.
Parts
used : Aerial Parts
Actions
:
Astringent, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, digestive.
Therapeutic
uses
·
In
Arthritis and related disorders
Meadowsweet
relieves pain and inflammation. Its
anti-inflammatory action is due to its salicylate content, which, unlike
the allopathy drug aspirin, is balanced in the plant by other constituents
so as to be soothing to the stomach wall and other surfaces. Its compresses are applied to arthritic joints with
beneficial effects. Infusion
of the plant helps in relieving pain from Arthritis and spondylitis.
·
Other
uses
It
protects the digestive tract and helps in reducing acidity.
Its astringency makes it valuable in relieving mild diarrhoea,
including children’s loose motions.
As an eyewash, it is useful in conjunctivitis and other eye
problems. It is also used in
certain cases of cystitis and irritable bowel syndrome.
Mode
of Administration and Dosage
It
can be taken in the form of infusion twice daily. Tincture of the plant can be combined with other herb
tinctures in order to get synergetic effect on various ailments.
It is also used as a compress.
Precaution
It
is quite safe. However,
persons who are sensitive to aspirin should not take this herb.
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