The medicinal primrose is also often called the spring primrose (Primula officinalis). It is a perennial with decorative flowers and a wide range of medicinal uses. What healing properties does primrose have?

Medicinal primrose(spring primrose,Primula officinalis ) belongs to the primrose family. It grows wild in Europe and in northern and central Asia. It is under partial species protection. If it is cultivated, it requires a humus soil with a neutral pH.

Medicinal primrose needs a sunny position, but does not like excess moisture. It is propagated by seeds or by dividing larger specimens. The stem (flower head) grows to a height of 40 cm. The plant has ovate or ovoid leaves arranged in rosettes.

The leaf blade of the spring primrose is strongly wrinkled, hairy on the underside. The edge of the leaf is wavy, notched toothed. The flowers resemble golden-yellow goblets. The flowering time of the plant is in April and May.

In medicine, the root and flower of the plant are used.

Primrose roots are harvested in autumn and dried in drying rooms at 40 degrees Celsius.

Primrose flowers are harvested from the natural occurrence of the plant. They are dried naturally (in the shade and in a ventilated place) or in drying rooms at a temperature of about 40 degrees C.

Medicinal primula properties - root

Primrose root contains:

  • ok. 10% triterpene saponins (mainly derivatives of protoprimulagenin A)
  • phenolic glycoside - genin primulaveroside (main component methyl methoxysalicylate)
  • tannins
  • sugars

Saponins act as expectorants, irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, thus increasing the secretion of rare mucus also in the bronchi.

High doses of saponins may provoke vomiting.

Primrose root extracts are part of preparations that facilitate expectoration of bronchial secretions.

Medicines containing plant root extract are recommended for bronchitis, especially if it is chronic in nature.

Medicinal primula properties - flower

Primrose flowersinclude:

  • flavonoids
  • saponins
  • phenolic glycosides

Primrose flower extracts are used to make herbal mixtures with expectorant and diuretic properties.

Medicinal primrose - use in medicine

In addition to treating inflammations and other pulmonary diseases accompanied by difficult expectoration of secretions, a decoction of primrose root was recommended for colds.

The tincture of the plant's flowers was given to people who stutter. But it doesn't stop there.

Root extract, due to its saponin content, was used to wash delicate fabrics.

Young primrose leaves were added to salads because of the vitamin C they contain.

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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