Evidence supporting the use of: Cowslip
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Cowslip (Primula veris) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine. Folk medicine practitioners have used cowslip primarily for its sedative, antispasmodic, and mild analgesic properties. It was sometimes recommended for cramps, including menstrual cramps, due to its perceived muscle-relaxing effects. The flowers and roots contain compounds such as flavonoids and saponins, which have been associated with mild antispasmodic actions in vitro and in animal studies, but these data are limited and not directly connected to menstrual pain relief in humans.
Despite this traditional use, there is minimal scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of cowslip specifically for menstrual cramps. No robust clinical trials or systematic reviews have been published to validate its use for dysmenorrhea. The evidence base consists primarily of anecdotal reports and historical herbal texts rather than contemporary scientific research. Therefore, while cowslip may have been used traditionally for this purpose, its actual efficacy and safety for menstrual cramps remain unproven by modern standards.
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
False Unicorn Root
Pennyroyal
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