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COWSLIP
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(Primula
veris)
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Other
Names
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American Cowslip, Artetyke,
Fairy Cup, Herb Perter, Key of Heaven, Lady’s
Keym Key, Marsh Marigold, Meadow Bouts, Paigle,
Palsywort, Plumrocks,
Waterdragon.
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Description
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Cowslip
is a hardy perennial plant native to Europe and
Asia, and some parts of North
America.
It is found growing in marshes and along
stream banks.
Cowslip grows 1 - 2 feet tall and bears
kidney shaped, shiny dark green leaves and
bright yellow flowers with orange centers that
bloom from April through
May.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Sweet
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Balance
Yin/Yang
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Slightly
warm
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Cowslip
is a relaxing, sedative remedy, which eases
stress and tension, relaxes nerves, facilitates
restful sleep, and aids
insomnia.
It is also used to treat bronchitis,
colds, chills, and
coughs.
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Flowers
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Compress
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Apply
to facial neuralgia.
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Infusion
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Sip for
headaches, feverish chills, and head
colds.
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Ointment
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Use on
sunburn and skin
blemishes.
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Tincture
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Take
for insomnia, anxiety, and over
excitement.
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Essential
Oil
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Use in
bath water at night for
insomnia.
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Massage
Oil
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Use for
nerve pains or apply to the temples for
migraines.
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Combinations
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Lime
Blossom, Skullcap.
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Constituents
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Up to
10% Saponins.
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Action
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Sedative, Anti-Spasmodic,
Expectorant.
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Food
Values
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None.
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Part
Used
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Yellow
Petals, Roots
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Collection
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Collect
the flowers from early spring to late
spring.
Dry the flowers quickly and thoroughly in
the shade.
Harvest the roots in the
fall.
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Preparation
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Compress
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Soak a
pad in the hot decoction
mix.
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Essential
Oil
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Use 5 -
10 drops in your bath water at
night.
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Massage
Oil
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Dilute
5 - 10 drops of oil in 26 ml. Almond or
Sunflower Oil.
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Decoction
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Put 1
Tsp. root in a cup of
water.
Bring to a boil then simmer 5
minutes.
Take three times per
day.
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Tincture
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Take 5
- 10 drops for insomnia, anxiety, and over
excitement.
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Growing
Directions
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Sow
fresh seeds or divide the roots and
plant.
Plant in well drained soil in a sunny
location.
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History
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Ancient
Druids recognized Cowslips soul energy, and its
connection to female
powers.
Cowslips takes its name from the
Anglo-Saxon “cu-stop” a reminder of the days
when they bloomed in meadows among dairy
herds.
Given their current rarity, Primrose is
now regarded as a good second
best.
The two plants are practically
interchangeable.
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Additional
Information
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1.
Primrose can be substituted for
Cowslip.
2.
The flowers of Cowslip have very
different properties from the
root.
3.
The petals are very sedating so they are
ideal for overexcited
states.
4.
They are also an astringent so they
promote sweating making them good for feverish
colds with headaches and nasal
congestion.
5.
The root was once a popular standby for
arthritis, but today it is mainly used for
chest coughs and
bronchitis.
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Cautions
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1.
Should be used only under medical
supervision.
2.
May cause an allergic reaction in some
people.
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Magick
Information
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Gender:
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Feminine
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Planet:
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Venus
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Element:
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Water
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Deity:
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Freya
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Powers:
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Healing, Youth.
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Magickal
Uses:
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Wear or carry Cowslip to preserve your
youthfulness. The aroma has a healing
affect.
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