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Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Thee Puppypreneur
MEADOWSWEET FOR DOGS
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is an herb that has a couple of different uses. It is similar to Willow Bark as they both have components that are utilized to make aspirin.
Meadowsweet for dogs can have several different activities such as being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic, antacid, and antiseptic.
The main parts used of this plant are the flower and the flowering tops and sometimes the root, leaves and stems. This plant belongs to the Rosaceae Family or rose family, so if your furbaby is allergic to other members of this family then it is best to stay away.
Other members of the Rosaceae family include; apple, strawberry, hawthorn berry, raspberry, blackberry and peach just to name a few.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MEADOWSWEET FOR DOGS
Meadowsweet for dogs has been documented for having a variety of different uses such as;
GASTROPROTECTIVE
Meadowsweet has been used for varying stomach issues. It has been considered for its antacid qualities. In a study done on rats using a flower infusion it
“revealed their capacity to preserve mucosal integrity”1Samardžić, S., Arsenijević, J., Božić, D., Milenković, M., Tešević, V., & Maksimović, Z. (2018). Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 213, 132–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.013
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Meadowsweet for dogs can also have anti-inflammatory properties and in one such study in rats it was able to directly reduce the swelling of the rat’s paw.2Katanić, J., Boroja, T., Mihailović, V., Nikles, S., Pan, S. P., Rosić, G., Selaković, D., Joksimović, J., Mitrović, S., & Bauer, R. (2016). In vitro and in vivo assessment of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) as anti-inflammatory agent. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 193, 627–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.015
This herb is beneficial if you have rheumatic conditions having to do with the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
TUMOR INHIBITING
In a study done on irradiated rats for over 16 months, where half the group was given a decoction of flowers instead of drinking water at 1g/kg body weight3Bespalov, V. G., Alexandrov, V. A., Semenov, A. L., Kovan’ko, E. G., Ivanov, S. D., Vysochina, G. I., Kostikova, V. A., & Baranenko, D. A. (2017). The inhibitory effect of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in rats. International journal of radiation biology, 93(4), 394–401. https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834 and the other half received no meadowsweet decoction.
In rats given no meadowsweet the number of malignant tumors was 43.7% and rats given meadowsweet 10 days after irradiation until the end of the experiment experienced 1.5 times decrease in malignant tumors.4Bespalov, V. G., Alexandrov, V. A., Semenov, A. L., Kovan’ko, E. G., Ivanov, S. D., Vysochina, G. I., Kostikova, V. A., & Baranenko, D. A. (2017). The inhibitory effect of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in rats. International journal of radiation biology, 93(4), 394–401. https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834
HEPATOPROTECTIVE
Meadowsweet for dogs may also be beneficial to protect your furbabies liver. In a study of meadowsweet and Carsil (silymarin) which is the active constituent in milk thistle it was found that meadowsweet at 100mg/kg improved liver function5Shilova, I. V., Zhavoronok, T. V., Suslov, N. I., Krasnov, E. A., Novozheeva, T. P., Veremeev, A. V., Nagaev, M. G., & Petina, G. V. (2006). Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of meadowsweet extract during experimental toxic hepatitis. Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 142(2), 216–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-006-0331-9 and
“by several parameters the effectiveness of this extract surpassed that of Carsil.”6Shilova, I. V., Zhavoronok, T. V., Suslov, N. I., Krasnov, E. A., Novozheeva, T. P., Veremeev, A. V., Nagaev, M. G., & Petina, G. V. (2006). Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of meadowsweet extract during experimental toxic hepatitis. Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 142(2), 216–218. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-006-0331-9
Meadowsweet is high in flavonoids and tannins. However, its active constituent is salicylates. Aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid and therefore should be used with caution. Always discuss with your vet first before starting anything new in your pet’s life.
If your furbaby has sensitivity to salicylates or is taking other herbs or medication this can be contraindicated.
This can be administered as either a tincture or dried herb, but I like to make sure that the product I am using is the flowers as they are the most common part of the plant used for herbal preparations
If you are wanting to use a tincture this a good option
Check out our other articles for more information on other potentially helpful herbs for your furbaby. Such as this herb;
