Meadowsweet vs Mentha longifolia

Meadowsweet is a flowering plant native to Europe and Western Asia that was historically so valued it was one of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids. It contains salicylates (the basis for aspirin, which was named after its old botanical name Spiraea) but is considered gentler on the stomach than aspirin.

Wild mint widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa; used in traditional medicine across many cultures.

Salicylaldehyde, Methyl salicylate, Salicin, Rutin, Tannins

pulegone, piperitenone, menthol traces, carvone, beta-pinene

Fever reducer, Pain relief, Digestive aid, Anti-rheumatic, Heartburn remedy

digestive disorders, fever, respiratory infections, headache

Digestive complaints and heartburn, Fever, Joint pain, Headaches, Ulcer support (gastroprotective)

antipyretic, carminative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory

2-6g dried herb as tea 3 times daily, or 2-4ml tincture 3 times daily

3-5g dried herb or 2-3ml tincture daily

Aspirin allergy or sensitivity, Children under 16 with viral illness (Reye syndrome), Bleeding disorders

pregnancy large amounts - pulegone emmenagogue, GERD

GI upset (rare), Nausea, Allergic reactions in aspirin-sensitive individuals

GI upset, liver concerns with pulegone-rich preparations