Cowslip

In different parts of the United Kingdom this plant is know as Oxlip, Paigles and Peagles as well as the lovely Key Flower and Fairy Cup – its latin name is primula veris. Largely wiped out of the modern garden by the arrival of modern versions of the primula and polyanthus, which is a shame as this pretty, subtle plant has much to recommend it.

Cultivation

The plant prefers medium and heavy soils and grows naturally in semi-shade - its native location is light woodland. It does require a moist soil.

Parts used

The flowers should be collected, without the green calyx, between March and May. The roots should be unearthed before flowering, or in the autumn. Primula veris is becoming increasingly rare and should not be collected in the wild.

Uses

Primula is a relaxing, sedative herbal remedy, which is used mainly to treat states of tension and nervous excitability. The flowers, which contain most of the essential oil known as ‘primula camphor’, are often given in powdered form to treat insomnia and nervous tension. The flowered parts of the plant inhibit the release of histamine and act as free radical scavengers and have been used traditionally for treating measles. An ointment made from the flower heads eases sunburn. The root traditionally has a high reputation for the treatment of pertussis (infant cough) and bronchitis and is also thought to be mildly diuretic and to slow blood clotting.

Cowslip photograph by Pamelaadam from flickr under a creative commons attribution licence.

 

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