A couple of days ago I shared a meadowsweet foot soak, and promised to write more about this ultimate self-care herb.
Known as the Queen of the Meadow, Brideswort, and Meadwort, its name refers to its favourite place and most obvious characteristic.
It is a plant high in aromatic oils, and the flower heads were strewn on the floors of churches and houses before proper floors; such is its sweetness. Culpepper tells us that meadowsweet “makes a merry heart”, and so it does, such is the beauty of its scent. Whilst a favourite of the Druids, old folklore insists that bringing meadowsweet into the house also brings death.
As well as glorious foot soaks and mentally uplifting aromas, meadowsweet is rich in iron and magnesium, essential for the production of red blood cells; so a daily meadowsweet-infused water is perfect for women who are anaemic due to childbirth or menstruation. It also makes a lovely tea.
It is said that many witches will dry the flowers in the garden shed, but will not be tempted to bring a living spray into the house, in case it puts one into a death-like sleep.
I think she is beautiful. I’ll take my chances.
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