Primrose
Species name: Primula.
Also known as: Cowslip, key flower, crewel, buckles, fairy cup, arthritica and key of heaven.
The primrose plant is used for both food and medicines. However, when used as an herbal remedy it should be carefully measured out to avoid overdosing.
The plants need to be at least two years old or more before using and should be dug up during the autumn months.
The reason these plants should be at least two years old before digging them up is because they are a biennial plant. Once they have been dug up they are placed in cold water and cleaned thoroughly as fast as possible. After this they are laid out to dry.
What is Primrose: Primrose is a plant that grows plentifully all through Great Britain and North America. You can find it in an assortment of locations including pastures and forest areas.
It especially does well in shaded areas that stay moist. April and May are the months that the flower blooms in its fullest beauty. These flowers have a stunning yellow color with white and orange in the middle.
The primrose actually has two types of flowers and although they look identical on the outside they are very different on the inside.
The two types of flowers ensure cross-fertilization from insects such as bees and moths. The leaves have an oblong shape which tends to taper into the stalk and can grow as long as five inches. These leaves are a light green color and have fine hairs covering them.
This plant also produces a nice fragrance which is another reason it is being grown in gardens today.
Home remedies using Primrose:
Benefits of Primrose:
When primrose was first discovered many years ago it was used to help relieve gout, muscular problems and paralysis. Because of this healing quality it was once known as “Herba paralysis”.
In modern day it is also used as a sedative and as a great relief for nervous headaches. When the root is made into a powder a teaspoon can be used as an emetic to induce vomiting.
The leaves can be made into a cream that is considered very useful for healing minor wounds.
Uses of Primrose:
- Insomnia
- Sensitivity
- Trembling
- Anxiety
- Sedative
- Abrasions
- Liquid drops
- Tea
Side Effects of Primrose:
When using the herb primrose you may experience some nausea, loose stools and headaches.
