Meadowsweet contains salicylate compounds, including salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, salicin, and other related molecules that are associated with Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). The older scientific name for the plant was actually Spirea and pharmaceutical company Bayer decided to use "A+Spirea" as the name for aspirin. With a pleasant wintergreen aroma and flavor. it is used internally for inflammation, fevers, heartburn, and peptic ulcers. It is also a remedy for arthritic conditions- such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendonitis- for skeletomuscular injury, strain, and kidney tonic. It is said that flowering stalks were strewn upon dirt floors to release the pleasant aroma upon walking, and minimize pests and bacteria.