MEADOWSWEET
                                    ===========


                                    CULTIVATION:
     Meadowsweet is an perennial with stems reaching 2-6 feet in height. It has
     elm-like  leaves,  and large dropping clusters  of  small coiled, white or
     pink flowers. The flowers have a fragrant, sweet almond aroma.

     Meadowsweet  needs  sun  or partial shade.  The  soil should be moist, and
     fertile. Sow seeds in spring, and divide meadowsweet in autumn. It is best
     propagated  from  cuttings  of  its  creeping  underground  stem. Thin and
     transplant  to 12 inches apart. Meadowsweet is not a suitable herb to grow
     indoors.

     Gather  young leaves before flowers appear, and pick flowers when new. Dry
     both  leaves  and  flowers.  Dried  leaves smell  of  hay  with  a hint of
     wintergreen.  Dried  flowers  have  a  sweet  almond  fragrance witch will
     improve with age.


                   CULINARY USES: ============== NO CULINARY USES


                                  MEDICAL   USES:
     In 1839, a German chemist discovered meadowsweet's flower buds contained a
     chemical  called Salicin. Chemists began  tinkering with this chemical and
     years later named the new drug Aspirin.

     Meadowsweet  gave  us Aspirin, but don't  expect the herb to do everything
     Aspirin  does.  On  the  other hand  meadowsweet  is  less likely to cause
     Aspirin's  major  side effect namely stomach  upset. If you rather take an
     herbal  preparation than a pill,  try Meadowsweet for headachs, arthritis,
     Menstrual  cramps,  low  grade fever,  and  other  pains and inflammation,
     especially if Aspirin upsets your stomach.

     It  also be of some help against one of the bacteria that causes diarrhea.
     For  a pleasantly astringent infusion, use 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per
     cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and drink up to 3 cups per day.

     Aspirin helps prevent the internal blood clots that trigger heart attacks.
     Meadowsweet  effect on heart disease, if any, has not been researched, but
     it  seems  reasonable  to presume the herb  may  have  a similar effect as
     Aspirin.


                                      WARNING:
     Aspirin  has  been associated with an  increased risk of birth defects, so
     pregnant women should not use it.


                                  COSMETIC  USES:
     For a relaxing herb bath, infuse 10 ounces of dried meadowsweet leaves, or
     a  handful  of fresh leaves in 2 1/2  cups  of boiling water. Leave for 10
     minutes, then strain and pour into the tub.