Meadowsweet: meaning, definitions and examples
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meadowsweet
[ ˈmɛdəʊˌswiːt ]
herbal plant
Meadowsweet is a perennial herb belonging to the rose family, primarily found in wet meadows and along riverbanks. It's known for its fragrant, cluster-like flowers and is often used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Synonyms
Filipendula ulmaria, Queen of the Meadow, meadow wort.
Examples of usage
- The meadowsweet blossoms added beauty to the moist landscape.
- She harvested meadowsweet to make herbal tea.
- In traditional medicine, meadowsweet was used for digestive issues.
Etymology
The word 'meadowsweet' has its roots in Old English, derived from the much earlier Proto-Germanic language term 'melhōdiz', relating to wetlands or meadows. Historically, meadowsweet has been revered in various cultures for its medicinal properties, particularly by herbalists in the Middle Ages. The term combines 'meadow', referring to a field habitat characterized by grass and wildflowers, and 'sweet', indicating the plant's fragrant nature, which was particularly valued by ancient herbal practitioners. Over the centuries, meadowsweet has maintained its significance not just in traditional herbal medicine but also in folklore, often associated with love and healing.