• Basic Info

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Alternate Title

Primula officinalis, Primula veris

Synonyms

Primula elatior, Primula elatior (L) Scherb., Primula officinalis Jacq., Primula veris, Primulaceae (family).

Note: Cowslip (Primula veris) should not be confused with Caltha palustris, which is also commonly called cowslip.

Background

Cowslip (Primula veris) is native throughout most of temperate Europe and Asia. In northern Belgium, it is common, but mainly occurs in fragmented habitats. In Denmark, cowslip has been traditionally used for epilepsy and convulsions. Although preliminary laboratory tests show that cowslip may be beneficial for these conditions, clinical trials need to be conducted to define cowslip's therapeutic role. Currently, there is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of cowslip for any indication.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Anticonvulsant, anxiety, cardiovascular (heart) health, epilepsy, sedation (drowsiness).

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cowslip in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cowslip in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to cowslip (Primula veris) or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

There is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of cowslip for any indication. Hemolytic activity (destruction of red blood cells) by cowslip has been reported. Use cautiously in patients with hematologic (blood) disorders.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cowslip is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of sufficient available evidence.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Although not well studied in humans, ethanolic extracts of leaves of Primula elatior and Primula veris may have dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects. Caution is advised when taking cowslip with other anticonvulsant agents.

Cowslip may have anti-inflammatory effects. Caution is advised when taking cowslip with other anti-inflammatory agents.

Cardiodoron (Primula officinalis blossom extract, Onopordon acanthium blossom extract, and Hyoscyamus niger herb extract) may affect heart rate. Use cowslip cautiously with cardiac (heart) agents.

Hemolytic activity (destruction of red blood cells) by cowslip has been reported. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking agents to alter the blood (hematological agents) should use cowslip with caution.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Although not well studied in humans, ethanolic extracts of leaves of Primula elatior and Primula veris may have dose-dependent anticonvulsant effects. Caution is advised when taking cowslip with other anticonvulsant herbs or supplements.

Cowslip may have anti-inflammatory effects. Caution is advised when taking cowslip with herbs or supplements with anti-inflammatory effects.

Cardiodoron (Primula officinalis blossom extract, Onopordon acanthium blossom extract, and Hyoscyamus niger herb extract) may affect heart rate. Use cowslip cautiously with herbs or supplements that have potential cardiac (heart) effects.

Hemolytic activity (destruction of red blood cells) by cowslip has been reported. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking herbs or supplements that may alter the blood (hematological agents) should use cowslip with caution.