Evidence supporting the use of: Cowslip
For the health condition: Anxiety
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Cowslip (Primula veris) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for its calming and sedative effects. Historically, cowslip flowers and roots were used in teas and tinctures to help with nervousness, restlessness, and mild anxiety. Traditional herbalists believed that cowslip had gentle nervine and anxiolytic properties, making it suitable for supporting emotional well-being and easing symptoms of mild anxiety or insomnia.
However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. While cowslip contains saponins, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals that may possess mild sedative or calming effects, clinical studies specifically evaluating its efficacy for anxiety in humans are lacking. Most evidence remains anecdotal or derived from historical texts and ethnobotanical records. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest possible central nervous system effects, but these findings have not been robustly translated into human clinical research.
In summary, the use of cowslip for anxiety is primarily justified by traditional use rather than scientific evidence. While it has a reputation in folk medicine and is sometimes included in herbal blends for relaxation, healthcare providers and consumers should be aware of the limited clinical data and use caution, especially given the potential for allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-pinene
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
bupleurum falcatum
California poppy
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
citrus oil
clove
cordyceps
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fennel
gardenia
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
guayusa
hemp oil
hops
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-glycine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
maca
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
mint
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phellodendron amurense
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhizome
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
zinc
squawvine
catnip
gastrodia
cardamom
shen-chu
mugwort
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
silk tree
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
menthol oil
St. John's Wort
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
cocoa
soursop
geranium
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Ash
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Aconite
Agmatine
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Balsam
Bayleaf
Bacopin
Baicalein
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
Bombax
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bupleurum
bacoside
Baicalin
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Chinese Raisintree
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Curcuma
Catuaba
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Clostridium butyricum
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Clerodendrum indicum
Canscora
Cannabigerol
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Dragonhead
Erythrina
Essential Oil Blend
Eugenol
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Mimosa
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Cowslip
AnxietyAnxiety Disorders
Bronchitis
Colds (general)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Edema
Fever
Inflammation
Insomnia
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Wounds and Sores