- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and western Asia, in chalky grasslands. Primula veris
Europe · Herb · № 87
Primula veris
Herb · Europe
Cowslip
Primula veris
The root contains saponins and is traditionally used to loosen phlegm in coughs; the flowers as a calming tea. There is some research on combination cough preparations.
Safety notes
May cause stomach upset and, in sensitive people, skin allergy. Avoid with blood thinners. The wild plant is protected in many places.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not with aspirin sensitivity or warfarin.
Preparation
Root as decoction or in cough syrup; flowers as tea. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In European folk medicine it was also called 'keys of heaven', after the legend of St Peter dropping his keys. Ody describes both root and flower.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Root stimulating expectorant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, astringent; flowers calming.
Preparation and amount
Root decoction or tincture (up to 5 ml 3 times a day) for stubborn cough and chronic bronchitis, arthritis and rheumatism; compress on painful joints; flower tincture 5–10 drops for insomnia and anxiety; flower tea for headache and feverish chills; ointment for sunburn.
Caution: Not with aspirin sensitivity or warfarin.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Calming, antispasmodic; reduces anxiety and tension (also in children), for headache, migraine and insomnia, improves the skin and soothes sunburn.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 8–10 min covered, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 10–30 drops under the tongue 1–3 times a day; wine of the flowers.