Victoria Chanin
Could the rhizome of Filipendula ulmaria be usefully reintroduced to the modern herbalists dispensary?
Abstract
This research was undertaken in order to rediscover the medicinal qualities of the rhizome of Filipendula ulmaria. While preparations of the flowering tops are commonly used in herbal medicine today the rhizome has fallen into disuse, and there seems to be relatively little written about its use, past or present.
The rhizome has a strong, distinctive smell, which seems very antiseptic, in contrast to the floral sweetness of the flowers. The author’s hypothesis was that this may have significance medicinally, which is why this subject was chosen for research.
The author sought to find out what she could through a literature search, looking at both the rhizome and the flowering tops, to compare and contrast actions of each. This was followed by a class tasting, a process employed at the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine to introduce students to each new herb, and gain an initial impression of its qualities and actions as perceived through smell, taste, and appropriation in the body.
The findings from this study indicate that the rhizome does have strong medicinal characteristics, with particular affinity to the lungs and glandular system, with a clearing out action. This is in contrast with the tonic soothing qualities associated with the flowering tops. The conclusion drawn from this was that the rhizome would make a good medicine for acute conditions, with short-term use.
In answer to the question of whether the rhizome of Filipendula ulmaria could become a part of a modern dispensary, this research shows it has potential. Further research through clinical trials would help to build empirical evidence of efficacy, and an analysis of constituents might explain pharmacologically some of the actions noted and suggest other applications.
