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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas PrimroseContents:Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedSeeds, flowers, rootstock
Description of Plant(s) and CultureThe primrose is a glabrous, perennial plant; anchored in the ground with a rhizome that produces a great many fibrous roots; the short brown rootstock produces a rosette of downy, ovate to ovate-oblong leaves with undulating, crenate margins. The leaves contract at the base into winged petioles. A flower stalk, or scape, grows from 4-9 inches high, bearing a 5-to 12-flowered umbel of yellow, funnel-shaped flowers during April and May. The calyx is whitish-green and squared; the corolla is tubular, flared at the top, and yellow, with a deep golden-yellow tone in the center. Flowers followed by a cluster of many seeded pods. Another herb: Alkali lily (Pachylophus caespitosus) is also called primrose by the Blackfeet Indians (Indian name “Oks pi poku”)
Where FoundCommon in Great Britain and continental Europe. Found in dry meadows, lightly wooded areas, underbrush, hedges, and along forest edges. United States and Canada from the Atlantic coast to Nebraska, as well as in Arctic and temperate regions of the eastern hemisphere.
Medicinal PropertiesAnodyne, diuretic, expectorant, sedative, antispasmodic
Biochemical InformationGamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, and vitamin F (essential fatty acids, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C
Legends, Myths and StoriesThe blossoms of this herb form an ingredient in pectoral teas and the young leaves may be eaten in the spring. Bees love the odoriferous flowers, which impart briskness to wines. The roots, immersed in a cask of beer or ale, render the brew stronger.
UsesAids in weight loss, reduces high blood pressure, and helps to treat al skin disorders, female disorders such as cramps, heavy bleeding, hot flashes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, alcoholism. An infusion of primrose flowers is used as remedy for migraine headaches, insomnia (primrose is non-addicting), nervous conditions, PMS, and general weakness. A tea made from the flowering plant is used for articular rheumatism. The rootstock makes a good expectorant. a decoction being useful for catarrh, mucous congestion, coughs, fever, bronchitis, and lung problems. In Europe, primrose is considered a blood purifier, and useful for gout, palsy, and lumbago. An ointment made of the leaves and flowers can be used for skin problems, heals wounds, burns, scalds, softens wrinkles, lightens freckles, discolorations of the skin, and blemishes. Primrose can be used for vertigo, hysteria, epilepsy, convulsions, palsy, backache, cystitis, and urine retention. Fresh leaves are used in salads in the springtime in Russia.
Formulas or DosagesInfusion: steep 2 tsp. flowers (or herb and flowers) in 1/2 cup water. Take 1 cup a day. Make fresh each time. Decoction: boil 2 tsp. rootstock in 1 cup water. Tincture: take 5-20 drops, 3-4 times a day, as needed. Nutrient ContentPotassium, magnesium, vitamin C
WarningSome people are allergic to primrose; should avoid medications made from the plant. Avoid the root if sensitive to aspirin (contains salicylates). Do not take high doses during pregnancy, because the plant is uterine a stimulant. Avoid primrose entirely by patients taking blood-thinning drugs.
Bibliography
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
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Butter rose
The Herb Book
, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.
, by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814)Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.