Cowslip
Cowslip (Huang Hua Jiu Lun Cao)
Botanical Name: Primula officinalis, P. veris Cowslip flowers have been added to vinegars and used to make wine and syrups. The plant is best known for its sedating properties and as an expectorant that is useful for treating phelgmy coughs and asthma. Safe for children, the herb is used to calm hyperactivity and help young people sleep. The plant is famous for its restorative and soothing properties. The roots are excellent at loosening old stuck pheglm associated with chronic bronchial conditions, and arthritic conditions with inflammation and pain. Below is an overview of Cowslip (Huang Hua Jiu Lun Cao), combining and interpreting the best of Western Science, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore and more. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of Cowslip (Huang Hua Jiu Lun Cao).
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Western
Also Known As: Key of Heaven, Key flower, Herb Peter, Fairy Cups, Petty Mulleins, Buckles, Mayflower, Password, Paigle, Peggle
Organs/Systems: Lung, Heart, Nerves
Key Western Actions & Medicinal Uses: Antioxidant, Expectorant, Sedating, Antispasmodic, Astringing. Lowers blood cholesterol, enhance immunity, coughs, insomnia, bronchitis, asthma, tremors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s, acne, circulatory system, urinary tract infections, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular pain.
Eastern
Also Known As: N/A
Meridians: Lung, Bladder, Heart
Key TCM Actions & Medicinal Uses: Moves Qi/Expels Wind/Resolves Phelgm: coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough, urinary tract infections, tremors, circulatory disorders. Calms Shen: insomnia, anxiety, hyperactivity, stress.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Flowers, Roots, Leaves, Yellow corolla
Flavors/Temps: Sweet, Salty, Pungent, Bitter
Caution: Considered safe.
History/Folklore: Cowslip has been a popular remedy for anxiety and insomnia. Safe for children, the milder flowers have been used to help calm hyperactive children and help them sleep. It was thought the flowers strengthened the brain and nerves.
Both the flowers and roots are useful for their expectorant properties. It has been used as a home remedy to treat whooping cough, bronchitis, coughs, allergies, asthma and colds.
The flowers have been used to make a popular and tasty fermented liquor called cowslip wine. The young leaves have been used in salads and mixed with other herbs to make stuffings. The roots are used for their expectorant properties and can be dried and powdered.
The flowers yellow corolla contains antispasmodic and sedativing properties and is used to treat insomnia and hyperactivity, especially in children.
A simple in fusion is made using 2 teaspoonfuls of cowslip petals added to a cup of boiling water. Let the tea steep for 10-15 minutes, filter and enjoy. This recipe can be taken 3x a day. It can also be added to your bath to ease muscle and arthritic pain.
The corolla of the flowers, without the green calyx are harvested between March and May. The roots or rhizome are harvested before the plant blooms or later in the autumn. The leaves are harvested when young before the plant blossoms.
An oil created by crushing the flowers through maceration was used to treat bruises.
As a homeopathic remedy, cowslip is used to treat catarrh and kidney problems.
In old Norse mythology cowslip is dedicated to Frcya, a Key Virgin and said to give the bearer access to her treasure palace. This legend was transferred to the Virgin Mary, with flower then called, “Key of Heaven or Key Flower.” These common names and the additional common name, “Herb Peter” are all said to have derived from the legend that the plant sprang up where St. Peter dropped the keys to heaven.
In the Victorian Era, cowslip was associated with winning grace, fairies and magic.
The famous 17th century herbalist, Culpeper said, “An ointment made with the flowers taketh away spots and wrinkles of the skin, sunburnings and freckles…..The leaves are good in wounds and the flowers take away tremblings.”
The English have long associated cowslips with fairies. Shakespeare referred to the plant as many as seven times.
The plant is becoming scarce in the wild due to over picking and pesticides.
Key Constituents:
Pimples and Acne
Cowslip Syrup
Heart Tonic
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