> Supplement Index > Cowslip / Primula veris / Primrose > Cowslip General Information Cowslip Uses & Scientific Evidence For Cowslip Dosage Information Cowslip Safety & Interaction Information Buy Cowslip Supplements and Products - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Cowslip General Information Cowslip gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word cu-sloppe, a reminder of the days when this flower bloomed in the meadows among dairy herds, though some believe it was so named because of the unique milky aroma of the flowers similar to cow’s breath, or that of a new baby. 16th century herbalist, William Turner, thought that Cowslip could preserve beauty. The roots of Cowslip are high in saponins, the irritating chemicals that act as an expectorant. The roots are also rich in salicylates, which have actions similar to aspirin. The flowers contain neither of these compounds. The petals have sedative effects and promote sweating. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Cowslip Uses & Scientific Evidence For Cowslip flowers are used for feverish colds, nasal congestion, head cold, headaches, and flu. A flower tincture or essential oil works well for insomnia, anxiety, or over-excitement. Ointments with Cowslip flowers is used on sunburns and skin blemishes. A massage oil from the flower is used to treat nerve pain, or applied to the temples for migraines. Cowslip root decoctions and tinctures can be taken to clear stubborn phlegm, but can also relieve arthritis and rheumatism. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Cowslip Dosage Information There are many formulations of Cowslip and many products that contain Cowslip. As a tea for promoting phlegm, use 1.5-3 teaspoons (2-4g) of cut and dried flowers daily. In using the tincture, try 1.5-3 grams (about 0.25-0.5 teaspoonfuls) daily. According to the German Commission E, primrose root tincture can be used daily in 1.5-3 gram doses for the treatment of congestion and colds. The potency of commercial preparations may vary. It is best to read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Cowslip Safety & Interaction Information Exceeding the recommended doses of Cowslip may cause gastrointestinal irritation, or may interfere with existing hypo- or hypertensive therapy. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Buy Cowslip Supplements and Products Below