The cowslip as a medicinal plant
Both the real cowslip (Primula veris) and the high or forest cowslip (Primula elatior) and, more rarely, the stemless cowslip (Primula vulgaris) show an expectorant and anticonvulsant effect. For this reason, the plants are preferred for bronchial infections with persistent coughs, for example bronchitis, but also for migraines, neuralgia and nervousness.
also read
- Cowslip is under conservation
- The cowslip is even edible
- Cowslip blooms in spring
ingredients
In addition to essential oils, tannins, silicic acid and flavonoids, primroses contain saponins as the main medicinal substance. There are also phenol glycosides as well as primulaverine and primaverine.
Areas of application
Cowslips are said to be expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, stimulates the metabolism, hemostatic and blood-purifying as well as calming. For this reason, the plant is mainly used in naturopathy against the following diseases:
- Respiratory diseases: colds, bronchitis, strep throat, laryngitis, cough and whooping cough, runny nose
- Mental and head disorders: headaches, migraines, toothache and tooth decay, inflammation of the gums, oral rot, inflammation of the oral mucosa, insomnia and sleep disorders, nervousness, neuralgia, dizziness
- Organic diseases: pneumonia, myocarditis, heart failure, constipation, rheumatism, gout
- External diseases: bruises, edema
application
Primarily the roots and flowers of the cowslip are used, which can be harvested between March and June - but not from wild collections, because the cowslip is a protected species. The ingredients are used internally as tea or syrup and externally in the form of compresses.
Cowslip tea for coughs
Take about a heaped teaspoon full of dried cowslip flowers and pour a quarter liter of boiling water over them. Let the brew sit for about ten minutes and then strain it off. The tea is drunk lukewarm several times a day if necessary, possibly sweetened with honey.
Is the cowslip poisonous?
Sometimes you can read in various Internet forums that the cowslip is poisonous. This is not true, because cowslips contain no toxins. However, the saponins they contain can irritate the stomach and lead to stomach problems and nausea. In addition to sensitive people, pregnant women and nursing mothers should also refrain from using the cowslip. Long-term use is also not advisable.
Tips
However, the cowslip is not only used as a medicinal plant. Its young leaves and flowers are also edible.
