Cowslip is a perennial plant from the Cowslip family (Primulaceae). The plant has unique medicinal properties that are widely used in both traditional and non-traditional medicine. Aboveground and underground parts of the plant are used in medicine.

The stem is straight, vertically raised, round and without leaves, grows up to 25 cm. It has a dense and juicy root system with many branches. Its leaves grow from the rhizome, in the form of a rosette. The flowers are aromatic, dull yellow in color, arranged in a group at the top of the stem. They all point in the same direction. Flowering often begins before the snow has completely melted and continues until June.

The leaves and roots of the plant have medicinal value. The leaves are collected during the flowering period of the plant and dried in dryers at a temperature of 50-60C, or spread on sieves in a well-ventilated and shaded place. Rhizomes and roots hand in autumn or early spring. Dry on sieves or in forced dryers at 50-60C. The dried drug does not have a characteristic smell, it has a slightly bitter taste. The drug can be stored for two years.

Cockroaches contain saponins, flavones (biologically active colorless or slightly yellowish compounds), essential substances, silicic acid, tannins, vitamins C and A, carotene, ascorbic acid, glycosides, alcohols and manganese salts.

Saponins 5-10%, essential oil 0.08% and glycosides: primulaverine, primverine, which belong to triterpene compounds, have been found in the roots of the plant. Saponins and flavonoids are found in the leaves. Flowers and leaves are rich in vitamin C (up to 500 mg%), respectively, in dry drugs - leaves contain 5.9%, flowers 4.7% ascorbic acid. A small amount of carotene has also been found in the leaves and root.

Medicinal significance

The underground part of the plant contains much more valuable substances than the surface part, so the root is also used in traditional medicine.

In medicine, this plant is used mainly in the treatment of respiratory tract. The following properties are attributed to Cowslip in medicine:

• Sweaty;
• Diuretic;
• Expectorant;
• Strengthening;
• Pain reliever;
• Sedative;
• Anti-inflammatory;
• Diarrheal.

Preparations containing Cowslip stabilize the function of the adrenal glands, normalize the function of the alimentary tract, help remove sputum from the lungs, and treat diseases of the urinary bladder and kidneys. Helps with exhaustion, fatigue, migraines, weakness and disturbed sleep. Cowslip also help to improve appetite.

Fenugreek root is used to treat:

• Tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, lung inflammation, tuberculosis and asthma - as an expectorant;
• Constipation- as a laxative;
• Urinary system and kidney diseases - as a diuretic;
• Paralysis, rheumatism, convulsions - as a sedative and pain reliever;
• Colds - as a general strengthening and immune system stimulating agent;
• Bruises and skin diseases - in the form of compresses.

Decoctions and juice of the surface part of Cowslip are used in the following cases:

• Pneumonia, bronchitis, angina;
• Sleep disorders, fatigue, weakness, lack of appetite;
• Paralysis, joint rheumatism, convulsions;
• Avitaminosis - especially in case of scurvy;
• Gum disease;
• In case of diseases of the organs of vision;
• In cases of esophageal problems.

The leaves of this plant are also recommended by traditional healers for use on cuts and injuries, as they have strong antimicrobial properties and the ability to help regenerate cells.

It is good to know that if you eat two fresh leaves of Cowslip during the day, you will receive a full daily dose of vitamin C.

Dermatologists recommend using this plant for various skin diseases, but especially for psoriasis and scabies. With a decoction of Cowslip  you can take care of the skin in case of acne and furunculosis. It is also recommended to use this decoction in the bath, every time you go to bathe.

Not recommended for use

• During pregnancy - the plant is able to tone the uterus and promote spontaneous abortion;
• In case of stomach disorders and ulcers;
• If an allergy occurs from the plant - rub it on the skin, if itching, burning, inflammation or any other reaction occurs - then it should not be taken orally;
• Of course, also in case of individual intolerance

As with any herbal tea, if you experience any side effects, contact your herbalist, doctor or herbalist. 

Medicinal Recipes

Infusion of the dry leaves of the Cowslip : 1 teaspoon of the drug is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, left for 30 minutes and drunk ½ glass, 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. It is used as a preventive measure in case of avitaminosis. The setting is prepared in an enameled container and stored for a short time. On the second day, the vitamin C content decreases significantly.

Stabilization of the roots of the Cowslip : on 200 ml of boiling water, take 5 grams of dried rhizome, settle for 2 hours and separate the thicknesses. Drink 1 tablespoon, 3-4 times a day. Helps with constipation, insomnia, weakness, poor appetite, cough, dizziness, kidney and bladder diseases.

Setting of the leaves of Gailbiksītes: 5-10 grams of leaf powder per one glass of boiling water, set for 1 hour, separate the layers. Use 1 tablespoon, 3-4 times a day, in case of poor appetite, weakness, cough, hypovitaminosis, scurvy, lung inflammation.

Setting the flowers of the Cowslip : take 15 g of the flower in 200 ml of boiling water, let it stand for 30 minutes, separate the layers. Use 100-200ml, 1-3 times a day - in case of migraine, dizziness and chronic constipation.

Decoction of the surface part of Cowslip : boil 10 grams of the drug in 200 ml of water for 20 minutes, separate the layers. Use 1 tablespoon, 3-4 times a day - in case of bronchitis, lung inflammation and whooping cough.

Decoction of Cowslip root: 20 grams of roots, boil in 400 ml of water for 15 minutes, let stand for 30 minutes, separate the thickness. Drink 100 ml, 3-4 times a day - in case of respiratory diseases, rheumatism, gout, kidney diseases, bladder diseases.

Cowslip flower drink: 250g flowers, rinse and cover with 1L of cold water, let stand at room temperature until it starts to ferment, add honey and sugar. Store in a dark and cool place.

Cowslip tea: dried leaves or roots, mixed with St. John's wort (1:1). Brew like tea. Used as a tea, only less often.

Cowslip tea: a pinch of crushed leaves and flower powder is poured with ½ cup of boiling water - will serve as a tea for vitality and health.

Cowslip leaf salad: at the very beginning of flowering, the leaves are used in salads, fresh. By eating two leaves, you will provide yourself with a daily dose of vitamin C. The leaves are also vitamin A, they can be used in case of vitamin deficiency.

Importance of food

The most important thing to mention is that the Cowslip contains a lot of vitamin C and it does not lose much when the leaves are dried - this is not such a common phenomenon among plants.

In food, the leaves of the plant are used as garden salad or spinach, respectively, fresh, steamed or boiled. Of course, fresh leaves retain vitamins best. There are recipes that use the roots and flowers of the plant. However, you should know that the stands of these plants are easily destroyed. Therefore, when harvesting, take only 1/3 of the leaves from each plant, it is preferable not to take the roots and flowers at all. Do not touch very young and large, strong plants. Harvest Cowslip in one stand no more than once every 4-5 years. If, however, this plant is especially necessary as a food ingredient, then grow it in your garden.

Diet recipes

Salad from Cowslip

100 gr. Cowslip leaf, 80 gr. boiled beets, 25 gr. bow, 20 gr. cream, salt.

Before serving, it is recommended to cool for a short time in the refrigerator.

Cowslip soup with grains

160 gr. Cowslip leaves, 40 gr. millet, 20 gr. carrot, 30 gr. onion, 20 gr. fat, spices.

At first, millet is boiled, then chopped greens and spices, pan-fried carrots and onions are added. Cook until the soup is ready.

Cowslip with a fish

300 gr. boiled fish without bones, 20 gr. Cowslip leaves, 20 gr. grated horseradish, 480 gr. ready-made jellies.

Put the pieces of boiled fish in foil, decorate with herbs, put horseradish on top, pour jelly over it and let it cool.

Cowslip stew with rice

100 gr. rice, 40 gr. raisins, 80 gr. cottage cheese, 1 egg, 4 gr. cockroach root powder, 40 gr. cream, 20 gr. fat, 30 gr. sugar, salt.

In the prepared, thick rice porridge, mix cottage cheese, fennel root powder, raisins and beaten egg with sugar. Spread on a baking sheet 3 cm thick, brush with egg and butter, bake in the oven. Serve with butter, cream or sweet sauce.

Omelet with Cowslip

100 gr. Cowslip leaves, 4 eggs, 20 gr. fat, 60 gr. sweet cream, salt. Wash and chop the leaves of the Cowslip , stew with fat for 10-15 minutes, cover with a mixture of egg and sweet cream and bake.

Cowslip drink

3 gr. powder of cockscomb root, 3 gr. powder of cockle leaves, 100 gr. honey, 1L water.

The powders are poured with 2 glasses of boiling water, boiled for 5-10 minutes, the thickness is separated through 2 layers of cheesecloth. Add honey and remaining water, mix and cool.

Cowslip seasoning for meat

10 gr. powder of Cowslip leaves, 20 gr. spicy tomato sauce, 1 tbsp. water.

Pour water over the powder, add tomato sauce, mix and leave for 2 hours. Then this mixture can be used as a seasoning for meat.