Cowslip (Primula veris) herbal tea is an excellent sedative ideal for stress-related problems. Unlike sleeping pills which are habit-forming and have the potential to damage long-term users, cowslip has a gentle, relaxing effect on the nervous system that allows the body to shut down of its own choosing because the anxious edge has been removed.
In the days before stress became such a killer,
cowslip was used to counter palsy, convulsions, spasms, giddiness, cramps and pains of the joints and sinews. Culpeper recommended cowslip as a beauty remedy to remove spots, wrinkles and freckles.
Cowslip helps relieve the pain of migraines and nervous headaches, eases tension, relaxes the nerves and encourages restful sleep. The herb is used to treat irritable dry cough and whooping cough. It can be used to counter spasms, convulsions, giddiness, cramps and joint pain and is also considered excellent for inflamed heart muscle and in overcoming any tendency to stroke.
Cowslip is also used with great effect to strengthen heart and nerves,
relieving the pain of migraines and nervous headaches, cleansing the blood and, in the course of ridding the body of toxins, it helps ease tension, relaxes the nerves and facilitates restful sleep. Cowslip is also considered excellent for inflamed heart muscle and in combating any tendency to strokes.
Cowslip is native throughout most of temperate Europe. It is an evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial plant growing to 25 cm (10 in) tall and broad, with a rosette of leaves 5–15 cm long and 2–6 cm broad. The deep yellow flowers are produced in spring, in clusters of 10-30 blooms together on a single stem. Each flower is 9–15 mm broad. Red- and orange-flowered plants occur rarely but can be locally widespread in areas where coloured primula hybrids bloom at the same time as the native cowslip enabling cross-pollination.
The name cowslip may derive from the old English for cow dung, probably because the plant was often found growing amongst the manure in cow pastures.
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