Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet is best known as a common perennial wildflower found in moist meadows. The blossoms are strongly scented, like almonds. Meadowsweet contains salicin, which is a similar chemical to the salicylic acid in aspirin. Dried meadowsweet herb is often used in tea to relieve the same symptoms you might take aspirin for.

Latin: Spiraea ssp
Common Names: Bride of the Meadow, Lady of the Meadow, Meadowwort, Meadowsweet, Queen of the Meadow, Steeplebush, Trumpet Weed, Gravel Root

There are several different species of meadowsweet used in magick, though they are generally just referred to collectively as meadowsweet.

In rituals, meadowsweet is used to promote joy, peace and happiness, as well as to aid in divination. It's also associated with Beltane. Bundles of dried meadowsweet places around your home can keep your household peaceful.

As one specfic form of divination, you can use Midsummer meadowsweet to find out more about a thief. Place the fresh herbs in water, and if it sinks, the person who robbed you is a man. If it floats, then it is a woman.

Meadowsweet is associated with the Celtic moon goddess, Aine. She is believed to be the one who gave meadowsweet its lovely smell.

Planet: Jupiter
Element: Air
Associated Deities: Aine

Herb Index