Cowslip Tea (Cowslip or Primula Veris)

Folk Names: Cuy lippe, Herb Peter, Paigle, Peggle, Key Flower, Key of Heaven, Fairy Cups, Petty Mulleins, Crewel, Buckles, Palsywort, Plumrocks, Mayflower, Password, Artetyke, Drelip, Our Lady’s Keys, Arthritica, Buckles, Cuy, Frauenchlussel, Lady’s Key, Lippe, Paralysio.

Cowslip or Primula veris is a flowering plant that grows 10-30 cm tall and can be found throughout most of Europe and Asia.

It can be used fresh as well as dry (only the flowers, stems and roots are used). The flowers and leaves are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, salicylates and sodium which help strengthen the immune system. Also, the herb contains saponoids which bring about expectorant and emetic effects. The root and stem contain saccharum, amidine and tanoids and is also a natural diuretic, soothing sedative.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Cold: Helps relax bronchial passages, thins mucous secretions to promote expectoration and lower fevers. Drink 3 cups a day.

Gout: It has a diuretic action that helps eliminate uric-acid buildup. Drink 4-5 cups daily.

Headaches and Migraine: Because of the analgesic properties, it can provide quick relief for tension headaches. It is not a quick relief for migraines, but extended use can ease migraines. Drink 2-3 cups daily.

Joint Pain: It is effective for chronic and painful symptoms caused by arthritis and rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Drink 4-5 cups daily.

Tea Mixtures:

For Coughs

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Cowslip root
• 1 oz. marsh-mallow flowers
• 1/4 oz. aniseed
• 1/4 oz. fennel seed

Simmer Cowslip in 1 qt. of water for 10 minutes. Add other herbs and steep for 10 minutes, strain. (Aids in mucus expectoration and reduces cough)

For Insomnia

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Cowslip root
• 1 oz. hops
• 3/4 oz. lemon-balm leaves
• 1/3 oz. St. John’s Wort

Simmer Cowslip in 1 qt. of water for 10 minutes. Add other herbs and steep for 10 minutes, strain. (Calms nervous system and promotes sleep. Reduces anxiety, tension and depression)

For Gout and Joint Pain

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Cowslip root
• 3/4 oz. nettles
• 3/4 oz. birch leaves
• 3/4 oz. meadowsweet

Simmer Cowslip in 1 qt. of water for 10 minutes. Add other herbs and steep for 10 minutes, strain. (Promotes the excretion of uric acid from tissue and relieves pain and swelling in joints)

Warning: Do not use if you are pregnant, allergic to aspirin or taking anticoagulants.

Folklore and History:

• The Celts valued Cowslip as a cure for winter depression.
• Medieval herbalist Hildegard von Bingen, recommended  it for palsy stroke and hallucinations.
• It has been harvested to extinction in some regions, but can be substituted with it’s close relative Primula Vulgaris or Primrose.

References:

• The Complete Guide To Natural Healing

Note: Consult with a Physician or certified herbologist if you are seeking medical remedies. The information is not intended as medical advice. PagansWorld.org is not liable for the misuse of the herb listed above.

Thanks for stopping by! Well wishes to you all and have a great day!

Lisa