Plant Comparison
Meadowsweet vs Ginger
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.
At a glance
Meadowsweet and Ginger: they share 9 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, back pain, headache, …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Meadowsweet | Ginger | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Back pain | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Headache | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Muscle spasm | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Pain (general) | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 10/10 | Stronger for Ginger |
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
Historically the source of aspirin's chemical inspiration; provide the plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, buffered by co-occurring mucilage and tannins.
Antioxidant constituents contributing to the plant's anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.
Contribute to astringency and the characteristic sweet almond-like fragrance.
The pungent phenolic constituents of the rhizome (notably 6-gingerol, which dehydrates to 6-shogaol on drying) responsible for ginger's antiemetic and anti-inflammatory activity; a standardized regimen of 84 mg/day gingerols/shogaols was effective against chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from analgesic action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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.
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).
Ginger is widely considered safe at culinary and conventional supplemental doses. At high doses (>5 g/day), ginger may cause heartburn, acid reflux, mouth irritation, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Ginger may modestly inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance the effects of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) — clinical significance at dietary amounts is low, but caution is warranted with high-dose supplementation alongside blood-thinning medications (Shalansky et al., 2007). May lower blood sugar — monitor closely if combining with antidiabetic medications.
Pregnancy: Ginger is among the most studied herbal remedies for pregnancy nausea. At doses up to 1 g/day, it is generally considered safe and effective for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), based on multiple RCTs. The EMA monograph supports its use for NVP. Avoid doses >1.5 g/day during pregnancy due to theoretical concern about anticoagulant activity. Breastfeeding: generally considered safe at food amounts; limited data for medicinal doses (European Medicines Agency, 2012a).
Duke (2002) rates ginger as a triple-plus herb (+++) with strong clinical support (score 3) for antiemetic activity, including motion sickness, morning sickness, and postoperative nausea, and score 2 evidence for dyspepsia, diarrhea, and inflammation. Typical doses are 2-4 g dry rhizome per day or 500-1000 mg fresh root three times daily; Commission E approves ginger for dyspepsia and motion sickness. Ginger has antiplatelet properties and should be used with caution alongside anticoagulant medications (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
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]
Rhizomatous perennial herb with narrow, lance-shaped leaves arising in two ranks from slender, reed-like pseudostems. Pale yellow-green flowers with purple markings are borne in a dense, cone-like spike on a separate short stalk arising directly from the rhizome, though ginger rarely flowers in cultivation. The branching, knobbly rhizome has a pale yellow interior and a characteristic pungent, spicy aroma.[1]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, marshes, riverbanks, ditches and wet woodland margins; native to Europe and temperate Asia, favouring moist, nutrient-rich ground.[1]
Believed native to tropical Southeast Asia; cultivated extensively throughout the tropics and subtropics (India, China, Nigeria, the Caribbean) in warm, humid conditions on well-drained, fertile soil.
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]
The rhizome is dug 8-10 months after planting, once the leaves have died back, for mature ('old') ginger with the fullest pungency, or earlier for milder young ('green') ginger; cleaned and used fresh or dried and ground.
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]
Ginger rhizome has one of the longest and most widespread medicinal histories of any spice, used across Chinese, Ayurvedic and Western herbal traditions as a warming digestive carminative, an antiemetic for nausea and motion sickness, and an anti-inflammatory remedy for joint pain; this traditional reputation is now supported by an extensive clinical evidence base, particularly for nausea (including pregnancy and chemotherapy-related) and osteoarthritis.[1]
Preparations
Dried flower, leaf and stem infused in hot water as a traditional anti-inflammatory and digestive tea.
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.
Concentrated extract studied in vitro and in vivo for anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity.
Dried rhizome powder or standardised extract, taken as capsules for nausea or joint-pain studies.
Dosage
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.
Clinical trials for nausea commonly use around 1-1.5 g of dried rhizome powder daily, in divided doses (up to 1 g/day in pregnancy); osteoarthritis studies commonly use similar or somewhat higher doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Samardžić, S., Arsenijević, J., Božić, D., Milenković, M. et al (2017) 'Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 213, pp. 132-137. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.013 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.013 - Andonova, T., Muhovski, Y., Apostolova, E., Naimov, S. et al (2024) 'DNA-Protective, Antioxidant and Anti-Carcinogenic Potential of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Dry Tincture', Antioxidants (Basel), 13(10), pp. 1200. doi:10.3390/antiox13101200 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101200 - Van der Auwera, A., Peeters, L., Foubert, K., Piazza, S. et al (2023) 'In Vitro Biotransformation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Constituents and Metabolites of Filipendula ulmaria', Pharmaceutics, 15(4), pp. 1291. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15041291 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041291 - Katanic, J., Boroja, T., Mihailovic, V., Nikles, S., Pan, S., Rosic, G., Selakovic, D., Joksimovic, J., Mitrovic, S. and Bauer, R (2016) 'In vitro and in vivo assessment of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) as anti-inflammatory agent', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, pp. 627-636. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.015 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.015 - Samardzic, S., Tomic, M., Pecikoza, U., Stepanovic-Petrovic, R. and Maksimovic, Z (2016) 'Antihyperalgesic activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench in a rat model of inflammation', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, pp. 652-656. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.024 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.024 - Katanic, J., Matic, S., Pferschy-Wenzig, E., Kretschmer, N., Boroja, T., Mihailovic, V., Stankovic, V., Stankovic, N., Mladenovic, M., Stanic, S., Mihailovic, M. and Bauer, R (2016) 'Filipendula ulmaria extracts attenuate cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidative stress in rats: In vivo investigation and LC-MS analysis', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 99, pp. 86-102. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2016.11.018 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.11.018 - Arsenijevic, N., Selakovic, D., Katanic Stankovic, J.S., Mihailovic, V., Mitrovic, S., Milenkovic, J., Milanovic, P., Vasovic, M., Nikezic, A., Milosevic-Djordjevic, O., Zivanovic, M., Filipovic, N., Jakovljevic, V., Jovicic, N. and Rosic, G (2021) 'Variable neuroprotective role of Filipendula ulmaria extract in rat hippocampus', Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, 20(4), pp. 871-883. doi:10.31083/j.jin2004089 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2004089 - 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
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.025 - Pannakal, S.T., Eilstein, J., Hubert, J., Kotland, A., Prasad, A., Gueguiniat-Prevot, A., Juchaux, F., Beaumard, F., Seru, G., John, S. and Roy, D (2023) 'Rapid Chemical Profiling of Filipendula ulmaria Using CPC Fractionation, 2-D Mapping of 13C NMR Data, and High-Resolution LC-MS', Molecules, 28(17), pp. 6349. doi:10.3390/molecules28176349 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176349 - Valle, M.G., Nano, G.M. and Tira, S (1988) 'The Essential Oil of Filipendula ulmaria', Planta Medica, 54(2), pp. 181-182. doi:10.1055/s-2006-962390 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-962390 - Popowski, D., Zentek, J., Piwowarski, J.P. and Granica, S (2021) 'Gut Microbiota of Pigs Metabolizes Extracts of Filipendula ulmaria and Orthosiphon aristatus - Herbal Remedies Used in Urinary Tract Disorders', Planta Medica, 88(3-04), pp. 254-261. doi:10.1055/a-1647-2866 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1647-2866 - Bespalov, V.G., Alexandrov, V.A., Semenov, A.L., Kovan'ko, E.G., Ivanov, S.D., Vysochina, G.I., Kostikova, V.A. and Baranenko, D.A (2016) 'The inhibitory effect of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in rats', International Journal of Radiation Biology, 93(4), pp. 394-401. doi:10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834 - 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 - Bridge, J (2008) 'The Herbal Remedy Handbook'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20Herbal%20Remedy%20Handbook - Drummond, E.M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Jacquier, J.C., O'Riordan, D. and Gibney, E.R (2013) 'Inhibition of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages by polyphenols derived from chamomile, meadowsweet and willow bark', 27(4), pp. 588--594. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Inhibition%20of%20pro-inflammatory%20biomarkers%20in%20THP1%20macrophages%20by%20polyphenols%20derived%20from%20chamomile%2C%20meadowsweet%20and%20willow%20bark - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
- Crichton, M., Marshall, S., Isenring, E., Lohning, A., McCarthy, A.L., Molassiotis, A. and others (2023) 'Effect of a Standardized Ginger Root Powder Regimen on Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial', Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 124(3), pp. 313--330. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2023.09.003 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2023.09.003 - Mathieu, S., Soubrier, M., Peirs, C., Monfoulet, L.E., Boirie, Y. and Tournadre, A (2022) 'A Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Nutritional Supplementation on Osteoarthritis Symptoms', Nutrients, 14(8). doi:10.3390/nu14081607 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14081607 - Ali, B.H., Blunden, G., Tanira, M.O. and Nemmar, A (2008) 'Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): a review of recent research', 46(2), pp. 409--420. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.085 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.085 - European Medicines Agency (2012) 'European Union herbal monograph on Zingiber officinale Roscoe, rhizoma (Zingiberis rhizoma)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-zingiber-officinale-roscoe-rhizoma_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-zingiber-officinale-roscoe-rhizoma_en.pdf - Huang, F.Y., Deng, T., Meng, L.X. and Ma, X.L (2019) 'Dietary ginger as a traditional therapy for blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis', 98(13). doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000015054 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000015054 - Marx, W., McCarthy, A.L., Ried, K. et al (2017) 'Can ginger ameliorate chemotherapy-induced nausea? Protocol of a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled trial', pp. 65. doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1571-z Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1571-z - Mashhadi, N.S., Ghiasvand, R., Askari, G., Hariri, M., Darvishi, L. and Mofid, M.R (2013) 'Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: a review', pp. S36--S42. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3665023/ Traditional / reference
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3665023/ - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.) 'Zingiber officinale Roscoe'. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:798372-1 Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:http://ipni.org:names:798372-1 - Shalansky, S., Lynd, L., Richardson, K., Ingaszewski, A. and Kerr, C (2007) 'Risk of warfarin-related bleeding events and supratherapeutic international normalized ratios associated with complementary and alternative medicine', 27(9), pp. 1237--1247. doi:10.1592/phco.27.9.1237 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1592/phco.27.9.1237 - Viljoen, E., Visser, J., Koen, N. and Musekiwa, A (2014) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting', 13(1), pp. 20. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-20 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-13-20 - Xu, Y., Yang, Q. and Wang, X (2020) 'Efficacy of herbal medicine (cinnamon/fennel/ginger) for primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Journal of International Medical Research, 48(6). doi:10.1177/0300060520936179 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/0300060520936179 - Zhang, Y., Gui, Y., Adams, R., Farragher, J., Itsiopoulos, C., Bow, K. and others (2025) 'Comparative Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis', Nutrients, 17(15). doi:10.3390/nu17152547 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152547 - Hu, Y., Amoah, A.N., Zhang, H., Fu, R., Qiu, Y., Cao, Y. and others (2020) 'Effect of ginger in the treatment of nausea and vomiting compared with vitamin B6 and placebo during pregnancy: a meta-analysis', Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, 35(1), pp. 187--196. doi:10.1080/14767058.2020.1712714 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2020.1712714 - Huang, F.Y., Deng, T., Meng, L.X. and Ma, X.L (2019) 'Dietary ginger as a traditional therapy for blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Medicine (Baltimore), 98(13). doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000015054 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000015054 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Jiang, X., Williams, K.M., Liauw, W.S., Ammit, A.J., Roufogalis, B.D., Duke, C.C., Day, R.O. and McLachlan, A.J (2005) 'Effect of ginkgo and ginger on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy subjects', British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 59(4), pp. 425-432. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x
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.