Plant Comparison

Meadowsweet vs Dandelion

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant AMeadowsweetFilipendula ulmariaRosaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BDandelionTaraxacum officinaleAsteraceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Meadowsweet and Dandelion: they share 10 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), indigestion, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.

MeadowsweetDandelion
Constituents34
Pharmacological actions816
Indicated uses1617
Safety notes25
Cited sources1756
Indicated uses
Only Meadowsweet
Acid refluxBack painHeadacheMenstrual crampsMuscle spasmPain (general)
Shared (10)
Arthritis / joint painCancer (anticancer research)IndigestionInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritationSwelling / fluid retentionUrinary supportUrinary tract infection (UTI)Wounds
Only Dandelion
Loss of appetiteBloatingConstipationDetox / cleansingLiver supportCardiovascular / heart healthImmune support
Pharmacological actions
Only Meadowsweet
Analgesic (pain relief)AntispasmodicGastroprotective
Shared (5)
Anti-inflammatoryAnticancer (preclinical)AntimicrobialAntioxidantDiuretic
Only Dandelion
Bitter digestive tonic / stomachicCholeretic / cholagogue (bile flow)Digestive aidHepatoprotective (liver support)LaxativePrebioticLipid-loweringAntiviralImmunomodulator / immune supportNeuroprotective / cognition supportAntihypertensive

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionMeadowsweetDandelionVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain1/101/10Comparable evidence
Cancer (anticancer research)2/102/10Comparable evidence
Indigestion1/101/10Comparable evidence
Infection (general)1/101/10Comparable evidence
Inflammation (general)1/101/10Comparable evidence
Skin irritation1/101/10Comparable evidence
Swelling / fluid retention1/105/10Stronger for Dandelion
Urinary support1/105/10Stronger for Dandelion
Urinary tract infection (UTI)1/105/10Stronger for Dandelion
Wounds1/101/10Comparable evidence

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Salicylates (methyl salicylate, salicylic acid derivatives)[1, 4]

Historically the source of aspirin's chemical inspiration; provide the plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, buffered by co-occurring mucilage and tannins.

Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, hyperoside)[1]

Antioxidant constituents contributing to the plant's anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.

FlavonoidsQuercetinRutin
Tannins and essential oil[1]

Contribute to astringency and the characteristic sweet almond-like fragrance.

TanninsEssential (volatile) oil
Sesquiterpene lactones[20, 50, 51]

Bitter principles (e.g. taraxacin) responsible for the characteristic bitterness and bitter-tonic action.

Sesquiterpene lactonesSesquiterpenes
Triterpenes and plant sterols[50, 52]

Including taraxasterol; contribute to anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective signals.

Terpenes / terpenoidsPhytosterols
Phenolic acids and flavonoids[17, 21, 22, 52, 53]

Antioxidant constituents (e.g. chicoric acid, luteolin derivatives).

Phenolic acidsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Inulin[50, 53]

Fructan storage carbohydrate; prebiotic fibre concentrated in the autumn root.

PolysaccharidesInulin

Pharmacological Actions

Analgesic (pain relief)[5, 14, 15, 16]
Anti-inflammatory[1, 3, 4, 5, 14, 15, 16]
Anticancer (preclinical)[2, 12]
Antimicrobial[14, 15, 16]
Antioxidant[1, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16]
Antispasmodic[14, 15, 16]

Antispasmodic (cramp easing)

Diuretic[9, 11, 14, 15, 16]
Gastroprotective[1, 14, 15, 16]
Anti-inflammatory[14, 15, 16, 22, 25, 26, 30, 43, 44, 50, 52]
Parts: Whole plant
Anticancer (preclinical)[18, 23, 27, 28, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
Antimicrobial[32, 52]
Parts: Whole plant
Antioxidant[16, 21, 23, 28, 31, 52, 53]
Parts: Whole plant
Bitter digestive tonic / stomachic[50, 54]
Parts: Leaf
Choleretic / cholagogue (bile flow)[50, 51]

Choleretic (stimulates bile flow)

Parts: Leaf, Root
Digestive aid[50, 54]
Parts: Leaf
Diuretic[47, 50, 51, 55]

Diuretic (potassium-sparing)

Parts: Leaf
Hepatoprotective (liver support)[15, 25, 29, 42, 50, 51, 53]

Hepatic (liver) support

Parts: Root
Laxative[50, 54]
Parts: Root
Prebiotic[50, 53]

Prebiotic (inulin-rich, especially autumn root)

Parts: Root
Lipid-lowering[31, 34]
Antiviral[42]
Immunomodulator / immune support[43, 45]
Neuroprotective / cognition support[44]
Antihypertensive[46]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Acid reflux[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Acid reflux
Arthritis / joint pain[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Back pain[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Back pain
Cancer (anticancer research)[2, 12]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Headache[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from analgesic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Headache
Indigestion[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Menstrual cramps[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Menstrual cramps
Muscle spasm[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antispasmodic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Muscle spasm
Pain (general)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10
Evidence: 1
Label: Pain (general)
Skin irritation[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Swelling / fluid retention[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Urinary support[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Urinary support
Urinary tract infection (UTI)[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Wounds[14, 15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds
Loss of appetite[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from bitter-tonic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Loss of appetite
Arthritis / joint pain[50, 52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bloating[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from digestive action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bloating
Cancer (anticancer research)[18, 23, 27, 35]Traditional · 2/10

inferred from anticancer action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Constipation[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from laxative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Constipation
Detox / cleansing[50, 51, 53]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from hepatoprotective action

Evidence: 1
Label: Detox / cleansing
Indigestion[50, 54]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from bitter-tonic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion
Infection (general)[52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[50, 52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Liver support[50, 51]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from choleretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Liver support
Skin irritation[50, 52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Swelling / fluid retention[50, 51, 55]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Swelling / fluid retention
Urinary support[50, 51, 55]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Urinary support
Urinary tract infection (UTI)[50, 51, 55]Moderate · 5/10

inferred from diuretic action

Evidence: 5
Label: Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Wounds[52]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds
Cardiovascular / heart health[31, 46]Traditional · 2/10

Dandelion root and leaf lowered serum lipids and oxidative stress (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Immune support[43, 45]Traditional · 2/10

Taraxasterol modulated the inflammatory/immune response in endotoxic shock (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[14, 15, 16]Caution

Generally safe in normal culinary and medicinal doses. Avoid in salicylate sensitivity or aspirin allergy. Not recommended for children with viral illnesses (Reye's syndrome risk, as with other salicylate-containing plants). Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Safety note[14, 15, 16, 17]Caution

Duke (2002) rates meadowsweet as ++ and notes analgesic, antiulcer, antirheumatic, astringent, and anti-aggregant activities at the experimental level (score 1). The plant is historically significant as a precursor to aspirin — salicylate compounds in meadowsweet were originally used to derive acetylsalicylic acid. Unlike aspirin, meadowsweet's salicylates are combined with protective mucilaginous compounds that may reduce gastric irritation. Duke notes that individuals with aspirin (salicylate) sensitivity should avoid meadowsweet; the plant also has anticoagulant properties that may interact with blood-thinning medications (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[54, 56]Info

Allergy risk in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae (daisy family) plants such as ragweed and chamomile.

Safety note[54]Caution

Avoid medicinal use in anyone with a blocked bile duct or gallstones; use caution with gallbladder or serious liver disease.

Safety note[54, 56]Caution

May potentiate prescription diuretics; possible interactions with lithium and drugs metabolised by the liver.

Safety note[51, 54]Info

Can accumulate soil pollutants and heavy metals; harvest from clean, unpolluted sites.

Safety note[54]Caution

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be guided by a qualified practitioner. Herbal use should support, not replace, conventional medical care.

External Ids

Gbif: 2987999
Wikidata: Q147176
Gbif: 5394163
Wikidata: Q131219

Botanical Description

Tall, moisture-loving perennial herb with pinnately compound leaves, dark green above and whitish-downy beneath, the leaflets sharply toothed. Dense, fluffy, creamy-white flower clusters with a strong, sweet, almond-like fragrance are borne atop reddish, grooved stems.[1]

Height: 60-120 cm
Habit: Tall, erect, moisture-loving perennial herb
Leaves: Pinnately compound, dark green above, whitish-downy beneath, sharply toothed leaflets
Flowers: Dense, fluffy, creamy-white clusters with a strong sweet almond-like fragrance
Stem: Reddish, grooved, erect
Root: Fibrous roots from a short rhizome
Fruit: Small, spirally twisted achenes
Flowering Period: June-September

Perennial herb (Asteraceae) with a deep taproot, forming a basal rosette of deeply toothed, lance-shaped leaves - the name 'dandelion' comes from the French 'dent-de-lion', lion's tooth. Hollow flowering stalks each bear a single, bright yellow composite flower head made entirely of ray florets, followed by the familiar spherical 'clock' of parachute-tufted seeds (achenes) that disperse on the wind.[50]

Height: Low rosette; flowering stalks 5-40 cm
Habit: Deep-taprooted perennial rosette herb
Leaves: Deeply toothed, lance-shaped, in a basal rosette
Flowers: Single, bright yellow composite head of ray florets, on a hollow stalk
Stem: Hollow flowering stalk (scape), leafless
Root: Deep taproot
Fruit: Small achenes with a parachute-like pappus (the "clock")
Flowering Period: Can flower almost year-round, peaking March-October

Habitat

Grows in damp meadows, marshes, riverbanks, ditches and wet woodland margins; native to Europe and temperate Asia, favouring moist, nutrient-rich ground.[1]

Native to Europe and Asia, now a cosmopolitan weed found on every continent except Antarctica; grows in lawns, meadows, roadsides, waste ground and disturbed soil of almost any type.[50]

Harvesting

The flowering tops, leaf and stem are cut in summer as the flowers open, when the characteristic salicylate content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[1]

Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, at flowering

Leaves are picked young in spring for the mildest flavour; the root is dug in autumn (traditionally after the first frost), when its inulin and bitter-principle content is considered optimal; flowers are picked as they open.[50, 53]

Parts: Leaf, Root, Flower
Season: Leaf in spring; root in autumn; flower as it opens

Traditional Uses

Meadowsweet is historically significant as the plant from which salicylic acid derivatives (the chemical basis of aspirin) were first isolated, and has long been used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and gastroprotective remedy for feverish colds, rheumatic and joint pain, and digestive complaints such as acid reflux and indigestion - notably, its natural mucilage is thought to buffer the gastric irritation associated with isolated salicylates.[1, 4]

Dandelion is one of the most widely used bitter tonic herbs worldwide, traditionally taken as a digestive bitter and mild diuretic - the French name 'pissenlit' (wet-the-bed) reflects this - and the root specifically as a liver and gallbladder tonic. Every part is also used as food: spring greens, roasted-root coffee substitute, and flower wine.[50]

Preparations

Infusion[1]

Dried flower, leaf and stem infused in hot water as a traditional anti-inflammatory and digestive tea.

Tincture[13]

Tincture (1:5) of the dried aerial parts; single dose 2-4 ml, daily dose 6-12 ml per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Standardised extract[4]

Concentrated extract studied in vitro and in vivo for anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity.

Leaf infusion/salad (fresh or dried)[50]

Fresh young leaves eaten as a bitter salad green, or dried leaf infused as tea - the traditional digestive/diuretic preparation.

Root decoction[50]

Dried root simmered in water - the traditional liver-tonic preparation.

Dosage

Infusion[13]

The EU herbal monograph gives a single dose of 1.5-6 g of the comminuted herb as an infusion, for a daily dose of 2-18 g, in adults and elderly; a powdered herbal substance at 250-500 mg per dose (250-1500 mg daily) and a 1:5 tincture at 2-4 mL per dose (6-12 mL daily) are also listed. Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to salicylates. For rheumatic-type complaints, not to be used for more than 4 weeks. Not recommended under 18 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Leaf/root infusion or decoction[50, 54]

Traditional guidance suggests roughly 4-10 g dried leaf, or 2-8 g dried root, per day as an infusion or decoction, divided into 2-3 doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid in bile-duct obstruction or gallstones, and harvest away from polluted ground.

References

REF-0815, REF-0816, REF-0817, REF-2030, REF-2031, REF-2032, REF-2033, REF-2034, REF-2035, REF-2036, REF-2037, REF-2038
REF-0248, REF-0320, REF-0322, REF-0323, REF-0324, REF-0325, REF-0327, REF-0330, REF-0331, REF-0334, REF-0335, REF-0336, REF-0337, REF-2387, REF-2388, REF-2389, REF-2390, REF-2391, REF-2392, REF-2393, REF-2394, REF-2395, REF-2396, REF-2945, REF-2946, REF-2947, REF-2948, REF-2949, REF-2950, REF-2951, REF-2952, REF-2953, REF-2954, REF-2955, REF-2956, REF-2957, REF-2958, REF-2959, REF-2960, REF-2961, REF-2962, REF-2963, REF-2964, REF-2965, REF-2966, REF-2967, REF-2968, REF-0070, REF-0264

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

References & Sources

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  8. Matic, S., Katanic, J., Stanic, S., Mladenovic, M., Stankovic, N., Mihailovic, V. and Boroja, T (2015) 'In vitro and in vivo assessment of the genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of the Filipendula hexapetala and Filipendula ulmaria methanol extracts', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 174, pp. 287-292. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.025 Preclinical
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  13. European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2011) 'Community herbal monograph on Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-filipendula-ulmaria-l-maxim-herba-first-version_en.pdf Traditional / reference
    https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-filipendula-ulmaria-l-maxim-herba-first-version_en.pdf
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  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
    https://powo.science.kew.org
  2. Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (n.d.) 'Dandelion identification (Taraxacum)'. Available at: https://bsbi.org/identification/taraxacum Traditional / reference
    https://bsbi.org/identification/taraxacum
  3. Farm and Dairy (2021) 'How to harvest and use dandelion roots, leaves and flowers'. Available at: https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/top-stories/how-to-harvest-and-use-dandelion-roots-leaves-and-flowers/656605.html Traditional / reference
    https://www.farmanddairy.com/news/top-stories/how-to-harvest-and-use-dandelion-roots-leaves-and-flowers/656605.html
  4. First Nature (n.d.) 'Taraxacum officinale, Dandelion: identification, distribution, habitat'. Available at: https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/taraxacum-officinale.php Traditional / reference
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  5. Flora of the Southeastern United States (n.d.) 'Taraxacum officinale (Common Dandelion)'. Available at: https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/main.php?pg=show-taxon.php&plantname=taraxacum+officinale Traditional / reference
    https://fsus.ncbg.unc.edu/main.php?pg=show-taxon.php&plantname=taraxacum+officinale
  6. Good Grub (n.d.) 'Plant of the Month: Dandelion!'. Available at: https://www.goodgrub.org/post/plant-of-the-month-dandelion Traditional / reference
    https://www.goodgrub.org/post/plant-of-the-month-dandelion
  7. HerbaWave (2026) 'Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Origin, Phytochemistry, Traditional Use'. Available at: https://herbawave.com/en/learn/ingredients/dandelion Traditional / reference
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  8. Mossy Oak (2025) 'How to Forage for Dandelions'. Available at: https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/recipes/how-to-forage-for-dandelions Traditional / reference
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  10. Under A Tin Roof (2025) 'The Ultimate Guide to Foraging Dandelions'. Available at: https://underatinroof.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-foraging-dandelions-how-to-harvest-flowers-greens-and-roots Traditional / reference
    https://underatinroof.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-foraging-dandelions-how-to-harvest-flowers-greens-and-roots
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.