Is the cowslip edible?

The cowslip as a medicinal plant

For many centuries, the roots and flowers of the Cowslip as a remedy Used against all sorts of ailments, but above all for colds, bronchitis, etc. The ingredients of the cowslip have an expectorant, anti-inflammatory as well as soothing effect Effect, which has already been proven in various scientific studies could. Primrose medicine is usually given internally as a tea or syrup, or used externally as a tincture.

Saponins can irritate the stomach

However, the following must be observed with any internal use of the cowslip: Some Ingredients, especially the saponins, can irritate the stomach and cause stomach upset and nausea to lead. For this reason, sensitive people should refrain from enjoying it. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are also not advised to take cowslips. Incidentally, the highest active ingredients are found in the roots.

Edible components of the cowslip

Between March and June you can also collect the tender, young leaves and the flowers of the cowslip and use them in a variety of ways. Both can be used raw for salads, as a deposit in soups or as a decoration for desserts. The flowers also flavor herbal teas (also mixtures of different tea plants), sugar or honey. Cowslips have a slightly sweet taste, so that children often like them too.

Caution: wild cowslips are under nature protection

If you would like to try your hand at the cowslip kitchen, please refrain from wild collections entirely. Found in the wild Cowslips are under nature protection and may not be excavated or collected in whole or in part. The wild perennial is endangered by intensive agriculture and the associated high use of pesticides and the like. However, cowslips grown in the home garden can be used safely, but not for long periods of time.