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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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