Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cowslip (Primula veris) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, including as a remedy for nervousness, anxiety, and mild depressive states. Folk medicine texts from the 16th to 19th centuries commonly reference cowslip’s use for "melancholy" and as a gentle sedative. The flowers, in particular, were prepared as teas or tinctures to calm the nerves and uplift mood. However, this use is based largely on tradition and anecdotal evidence rather than on robust clinical studies.

Modern scientific research on cowslip’s efficacy for depression is minimal. A few laboratory studies have noted cowslip’s content of flavonoids and saponins, which may have mild CNS (central nervous system) effects, but no high-quality clinical trials have evaluated its use for depression in humans. Most contemporary herbal references list cowslip as a traditional remedy for nervous disorders, but do not recommend it as a primary treatment for depression due to the lack of evidence. In summary, cowslip’s use for depression is justified by tradition, with weak supporting evidence and no established scientific validation.

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