Meadowsweet

Part used: aerial parts

Traditional use: Traditionally used as a digestive remedy for heartburn, hyperacidity, gastritis and peptic ulceration, for children's diarrhoea, and (its salicylates) to reduce fever and ease rheumatic pain.

How to prepare (traditional): Infusion: pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb and infuse, covered, 10-15 minutes.

Dosage note (descriptive only): Drunk three times a day or as needed. BHC: 2-6 g dried herb three times daily.

Part used: aerial parts

Traditional use: Traditionally applied to painful joints.

How to prepare (traditional): Tincture of the flowering tops/leaves; a pad soaked in tincture and applied externally.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For painful joints, the book suggests soaking a pad in 5 tsp (25 ml) tincture and applying to the area.

Part used: aerial parts

Traditional use: Traditionally taken for rheumatic aches.

How to prepare (traditional): Tablets.

Dosage note (descriptive only): Taken for rheumatic aches.

Part used: aerial parts

Traditional use: Traditionally taken for diarrhea (considered safe even in children per the book).

How to prepare (traditional): Decoction of the herb.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For diarrhea, the book suggests about 3/4 cup (150 ml) two to three times a day.

Part used: aerial parts

Traditional use: Traditionally taken for acidity.

How to prepare (traditional): Powder mixed with a little water.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For acidity, the book suggests 1/2 tsp mixed with a little water three times a day.