Wild Flowers – Primrose

Primrose

A hardy little plant, the Primrose can flower from as early as December in mild years, appearing all the way through the spring until May. You can find it round our woodland walk in the clearings.

In modern herbal medicine, it is used to aid weight loss, reduce high blood pressure, and helps to treat skin disorders, female disorders such as cramps, heavy bleeding and hot flashes as well as multiple sclerosis, arthritis and 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 with 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 also be used for vertigo, hysteria, epilepsy, convulsions, palsy, backache, cystitis, and urine retention. Do not try without seeking medical advice.