The beneficial action of the plant is based on the presence, in its flowers, of flavonoids, especially salicylic derivatives, precursors of the best-selling medicine in the world: aspirin. These compounds give meadowsweet an anti-inflammatory and analgesic action, used in the treatment of painful joints. These effects are gentle and gradual, and therefore perfectly tolerated. A study conducted in 1989 against placebo has shown that meadowsweet, when combined with blackcurrant, is an efficient long term treatment for chronic rheumatic diseases. It helps noticeably reduce the use of common analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, which are harmful to the body in the long term, especially by their harmful digestive side effects. The plant also dilates vessels, strengthens the heart and accelerates diuresis. Because of its numerous properties, it is recommended in slimming diets: it eases renal elimination of water, curbs painful oedemas and fights against cellulite and obesity.
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