Health Benefits of Cowslip

Cowslip (Primula officinalis), is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs with beneficial effects over the human body.

Description of Cowslip plant

Cowslip is a small herb, about 10-30cm tall. It grows in glades and clearings, hayfields and also in mountainous regions. Underground it has a very small rhizome from which thick short roots start. The rhizome ends in a bud from which blossoms during spring season. From this bud a small velvety herbaceous stem grows and ends in oval-shaped leaves.

Cowslip blossoms in May and its flowers of a golden-yellowish color spread a very pleasant scent. From this herb its rhizome, roots, flowers and sometimes leaves are used. The recommended time for harvesting is in spring when the herb is in bloom and continues until fruits start to form.

cowslip

Proprieties and benefits of Cowslip

This herb can be used fresh as well as dry, and therapeutically only its flowers, stem and roots are used. Its flowers and leaves are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, potassium, calcium, sodium and salicylates which help strengthen the immune system through its antioxidant properties and by lowering the cholesterol level. Also, the herb contains saponoids which bring about expectorant and emetic effects.

The root and stem contain saccharum, amidine and tanoids. Cowslip is also a natural diuretic, soothing sedative.

Treatments

   Owing to the substances contained, cowslip is used in treating lung disorders (virosis and bronchitis) and helps eliminate secretions.

   The herb is used to eliminate insomnias in adults as well as children. For this a tea from this herb is prepared and for a more efficient effect over the body the herb is mixed with hop plant.

   To treat gout and arthritis it is recommended to use cowslip. The treatment must be followed for a long period of time, depending how serious the illness is.

   In cases of anxiety tea made from cowslip flowers and roots is prepared. This herb has beneficial effects on the heart especially if it is consumed as tea. It is recommended to be consumed by the individuals who suffer from heart diseases.

   Against wounds a macerated mixture made from cowslip flowers is especially effective.

   Cowslip tea is a sure way of strengthening the nervous system and heart; it can effectively alleviate headaches and also has a noticeable effect over the myocardium and the tendency towards apoplexy.

   This herb is also used in cosmetics, by being an ingredient in many face creams due to its regenerating effects. Moreover it can be used externally in warm poultices applied on painful areas because of its calming nature.

cowslip

Mixtures

   Infusion of cowslip flowers is made from a spoonful of dried flowers over which a cup of boiling water is poured. It is then left to infuse for 10 minutes after which it is consumed and is effective against colds.

   Decoct from cowslip roots is prepared by putting a spoonful of roots in a cup of water. The mixture is then left to boil and then set aside. After cooling it is consumed, bearing in mind that the mixture is strengthening for the heart.

   Cowslip syrup is recommended in cases of breathing disorders and is obtained from crushed flowers mixed with honey and water.

   Cowslip tea is used against insomnias and is obtained from 50g of cowslip herb, 25g of lavender flowers, 10g of St. John's wort herb, 15g of hop plant. A spoonful of the abovementioned quantities is mixed in a 0.25 liters of water and is let to sit for 3 minutes. The tea is consumed very warm in small gulps.
cowslip

Boiled mixture of cowslip roots is a great cure for kidney problems. The tea is obtained from 50g cowslip, 50g common elder, 15g nettle leaves, 15g dandelion roots. A spoonful of these quantities is mixed in 0.25 liters of water. After that, the mixture is left to boil and to sit for 3 minutes. Two cups should be consumed throughout the day.

Cowslip wine is prepared from 2 liters of fresh flowers in a bottle of water, on top of which white wine is poured. The flowers must be covered. The bottle (covered with a cork) is then let to sit for 14 days in the sunlight. In treating heart diseases it is recommended that the whine be consumed each day 3 to 4 spoonfuls.

Warning

Cowslip is not recommended to those who are allergic to aspirins, because of its high quantity of salicylants which are the main basis for aspirin. It is also not recommended to be consumed by those who follow anticoagulant treatments or by pregnant women. It can be used, however by the women who breastfeed because cowslip tea stimulates lactation.

Other medicinal plants

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