Cowslip

Cowslip is a plant whose flower and root are used to make medicine. The flower of the cowslip is used for swollen nose and throat, coughs, bronchitis, sleep problems, headaches, hysteria, nerve pain and tremors. It is also used to increase urine production, reduce muscle spasms, as a "heart tonic" for dizziness and cardiac insufficiency, and to treat heart failure, whooping cough, asthma, gout and nervous system complaints.

How does primrose work?

Cowslip contains chemicals that can thin and dissolve mucus.

How effective is primrose?

Cowslip, in combination with yellow gentian, black elder, sorrel and verbena, may be effective for sinusitis. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of cowslip in combination with thyme for bronchitis. New research suggests that cowslip root in combination with thyme reduces symptoms of bronchitis such as cough, fever and increased mucus production. There is also insufficient scientific data on the effectiveness of primrose products for coughs, whooping cough, insomnia, nervous excitement, headaches, hysteria, nerve pain, tremors, water retention, cramps, asthma, gout and nervous system problems. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of primrose for all these conditions.

Safety and side effects

Cowslip appears to be safe and harmless for most people when used in small amounts as part of a combination product containing yellow gentian, black elderberry, sorrel and verbena. There is not enough information on whether primrose is safe and harmless in medicinal quantities. The combination product mentioned may cause stomach upset and occasionally allergic skin reactions.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of primrose during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using cowslip. High or low blood pressure: There are concerns that primrose may interfere with blood pressure control.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of primrose with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of primrose depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

1. Budzianowski J, Morozowska M, Wesolowska M. Lipophilic flavones of Primula veris L. from field cultivation and in vitro cultures. Phytochemistry 2005;66:1033-9.
2. Ernst E, Marz R, Sieder C. A controlled multi-center study of herbal versus synthetic secretolytic drugs for acute bronchitis. Phytomedicine 1997;4:287-93.
3. Marz RW, Ismail C, Popp MA. Action profile and efficacy of a herbal combination preparation for the treatment of sinusitis. Wien Med Wochenschr 1999;149:202-8.
4. Neubauer N, Marz RW. Placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, clincal trial with Sinupret sugar coated tablets on the basis of a therapy with antibiotics and decongestant nasal drops in acute sinusitis. Phytomedicine 1994;1:177-81.