Mead wort

Cretusca (Filipendula ulmaria) is a plant also known as meadowsweet, wolf's tooth, goat's beard or priest's beard. It has anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic, diaphoretic or sweat-inducing, antipyretic or fever-reducing, detoxifying and astringent properties due to its content of minerals, essential oils, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and salicylates. In the 19th century, acetylsalicylic acid was synthesised from this plant, which is why cretusca is sometimes called natural aspirin or home aspirin. Cretusca tincture has anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial in cases of rheumatism, spondylosis, astroza, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Cretusca is recommended for internal use in cases of gastrointestinal, respiratory and renal disorders, rheumatism, fever, heart problems, headaches, fatigue and insomnia, nervousness and menopause. It can be useful in treating ulcerative conditions, improves transit, promotes the elimination of intestinal gas and can reduce diarrhoea. Also, due to its anti-inflammatory effect, it can reduce rheumatic pain. Externally, it can be indicated for wounds, gingivitis and mouth inflammation, haemorrhoids, vaginitis. Cretusca essential oil is also used in aromatherapy for its calming effect.

Meadowsweet and lady's mantle are two different plants. However, both meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) belong to the same Rosaceae family. Lady's mantle mainly has a hormonal regulating effect, but also a healing, astringent and antidismenorrheic effect. It promotes the proper functioning of the hormonal system in women, reduces the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or menstrual cycle and maintains the blood clotting process within normal limits. It can be recommended in cases of menstrual disorders such as amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea or hypermenorrhoea, but also in cases of menopause-related disorders, uterine bleeding, etc.

Cretusca is available in the form of supplements, but also as a tincture and tea. Cretusca tea is administered as an infusion – one teaspoon of dried plant to 200 ml of hot water, consuming about 2-3 cups of cretusca tea per day. It can also be prepared as a decoction (one teaspoon of dried plant boiled for 10 minutes in 250 ml of water and then applied as a compress). For gargling with cretusca tea, prepare a more concentrated infusion, using 2 tablespoons of cretusca in 100 ml of water. Another method of administering cretusca is in the form of cretusca tincture. It can also be used in the form of oil – the cretusca plant is left to macerate in a carrier oil, then strained and stored in dark-coloured bottles. It can be used externally for arthritis, rheumatism or other problems.

Cretusca is not recommended for people with allergies or hypersensitivity to the plant or salicylates. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.