PRIMULA-YELLOW (PRIMULA OFFICINALIS, PRIMULA VERIS)
It is a perennial, herbaceous, beautifully flowering plant. It is also known by the names: Iglichina and Aglika. It is also called the "flower of Christ". It is classified in the family Primulaceae.
STRUCTURE OF THE Primrose
The primrose grows to a height of up to 25 cm. Its leaf mass develops in the form of a rosette. The leaves have a pronounced serrated leaf edge, 5 to 15 cm long and 2-6 cm wide, ovate in shape and wrinkled from the roots. They are colored in dark shades of green-gray. Its rhizome is gray-brown and whitish roots emerge from all its sides. The flowering stem is leafless and up to about 20 cm high. It ends with large flowers, gathered in groups of 10-30, forming an umbrella-like inflorescence. Each flower is 9 to 15 mm in diameter. They have different shades of yellow. They bloom in April and May, and their seeds ripen in July and August.
Natural distribution of the primrose
The species is widespread in most of the temperate climate zone of Europe and Asia. It disappears in the northern latitudes, to reappear in northern Sutherland and the Orkneys and in Scandinavia. It is found in meadows, forests, and scrub in the mountainous regions of our entire country.
USED PART OF THE PRIMROSE
The rhizome with the roots, flowers and leaves of the plant are used. The roots can be harvested in spring or autumn and dried for later use. The flowers are harvested in a state of complete dissolution, without those that are wilted or unopened.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PRIMROSE
The roots of yellow primrose contain primulaverin and primeverin, along with their phenolic aglycones. The dried roots contain significant amounts of triterpenoid saponins, such as primula acid I / II. These substances are also found in the aerial parts of the plant, specifically in the sepals, where flavonoids are the dominant compounds.
Other substances found in the rhizomes and roots of primrose include glycosides, essential oils, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotene), and catechin tannins. The aerial part of the plant contains tannins, vitamin C, provitamin A, and flavonoids.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES AND APPLICATION OF PRIMROSE
PROPERTIES OF THE HERB
- expectorant
- diuretic and sudorific
- calming to the nervous system;
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory;
- antispasmodic
- sedative
Yellow primrose helps liquefy secretions in the lungs and facilitates their expulsion. At the same time, it increases gastric secretion, which in turn improves digestion.
The saponins in primrose are responsible for its expectorant action, while the salicylates it contains have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects.
The triterpenoid saponins found in its root act as a powerful expectorant. The root also has mild diuretic, antirheumatic, and anticoagulant effects. The leaves have similar medicinal properties to the roots, but with weaker action.
CONDITIONS AND DISEASES FOR WHICH IT IS USED
- common colds; – cough; – bronchitis; – flu;
- whooping cough;
- neuroses, nervous breakdowns, stress, anxiety;
- diarrhea;
- asthma;
- spasms, paralysis;
- rheumatism;
- allergies;
- fluid retention in the body.
Primrose is also used for: swelling in the nasal and throat area, headache, insomnia, hysteria, tremor, whooping cough, gout; neuralgia, nervousness, and other complaints related to the nervous system, fatigue, scurvy, difficulty urinating, and inflammation of the urinary tract.
It helps stimulate diuresis, thereby contributing to the stabilization of cardiac function. This is why it is included in the treatment of heart failure.
The dried roots, ground into powder, are used for treating chronic cough (especially cough associated with chronic bronchitis and catarrhal congestion), flu, and other febrile conditions.
In combination with gentian root, elder, vervain, and sorrel, primrose is used to maintain healthy sinuses and treat sinusitis.
For bronchitis, primrose root combined with thyme acts as an expectorant and relieves the symptoms of the disease, including a runny nose. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole plant and is used to treat kidney diseases.
METHOD OF USE
- Infusion – 2 teaspoons of primrose are added to 300 milliliters of boiling water and left to steep for 30 minutes. The liquid is then strained and consumed 4–5 times a day, one small coffee cup every 2–3 hours.
- Root infusion – 1 tablespoon of finely crushed roots is poured over with 300 milliliters of boiling water. The mixture is left to sit for 30 minutes. After straining, the liquid is taken in the amount of one small coffee cup, 3 times a day.
- Infusion of flowers and leaves – 8 to 10 grams of herbal mass are poured over with 500 milliliters of boiling water and left for 15 minutes. The liquid is then strained and consumed in the amount of one small coffee cup, 3 times a day.
YELLOW PRIMROSE IN CULINARY USE
The juice of the herb was used when frying tansy (another herb).
Young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in various main dishes and soups. In the past, the Spanish added them to salads. They can also be used to prepare tea.
The flowers – raw or cooked – can also be added to dishes, preserves, or used as a garnish. They have been used as a flavoring agent in wine and vinegar. Their decorative and aromatic value is considered more important in culinary use than their nutritional properties.
INTERACTIONS OF YELLOW PRIMROSE WITH MEDICATIONS
- Caution is advised when taking primrose together with anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory drugs.
It should also be used carefully when combined with cardiac medications.
- Due to its antispasmodic effects, primrose should be used with caution when taken alongside other antispasmodic agents.
INTERACTIONS OF YELLOW PRIMROSE WITH HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS
- Its intake should be approached with caution when used in combination with other herbs and supplements that possess anticonvulsant, hemolytic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- It should also be carefully combined with herbs and supplements that affect cardiac function.
Text: Elena Topalova, Sports-Intellectual Club "Ahridos"
Photos: Wikipedia
