Evidence supporting the use of: Cowslip
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Cowslip (Primula veris) has a long-standing history in European folk medicine, primarily as a remedy for respiratory issues, insomnia, and mild pain, but also for a variety of women's health concerns, including menstrual irregularity. However, the documentation supporting its use for menstrual irregularity is largely anecdotal and rooted in traditional herbal texts rather than scientific studies. Historical sources, such as herbal compendia from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, mention cowslip as a "mild nervine" and sometimes as an emmenagogue (a substance believed to stimulate menstrual flow). These uses were based on observations and empirical tradition rather than controlled research. There is currently little to no modern scientific evidence—such as clinical trials or pharmacological studies—demonstrating efficacy or elucidating mechanisms by which cowslip would affect menstrual cycles. Most modern herbal references do not list cowslip as a primary or secondary herb for menstrual irregularity. In summary, while cowslip may have been used traditionally for this purpose, its use is not supported by robust evidence, and its efficacy remains unproven by modern scientific standards.
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
ashwagandhablack cohosh
black pepper
calcium
cassia bark
chaste tree
dong quai root
evening primrose oil
fenugreek
Japanese sophora
licorice root
lovage
maca
motherwort
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
red clover
anise
blackboard tree
fumaria parviflora
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
prickly ash
juniper berries
dioscorea
queen of the meadow
shepherd's purse
wood betony
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Angelica
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Alchemilla
Aletris
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Blue Flag
Blepharis
Balsam
Big Quaking Grass
Black Gram
Bethroot
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Black root
Bupleurum
Black Hellebore
Bergenia
Cumin
Cohosh
Clary sage
Calotropis gigantea
Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cactus
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Corktree
Cowslip
Chirata
Calamus
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Evening Primrose
Estrogen
Fig
Little ironweed
Pennyroyal
Rose
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
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