Primula flos

Dried flowers of the true cowslip used phytotherapeutically.

The quality is specified in the German Drug Codex (DAC).

HMPC monograph: Traditional-use: expectorant for coughs caused by colds

ESCOP monograph: for productive cough and catarrh of the airways, as well as chronic bronchitis

Commission e-monograph: Catarrh of the airways

The blossom extract contains 2% saponins (primula acid A), carotenoids, phenol glycosides, flavones, kaemperol, quercetin.

The triterpene saponins have an irritant effect on the gastric mucosa. This effect is said to reflexively stimulate the bronchial mucosa via nerve fibers to produce more mucus. This thins the secretion and makes it easier to cough up.

Antibacterial, antimitotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective mechanisms have been demonstrated in vitro.

Primulae radix and Primulae flos are used for the same applications. The root (Primulae radix) is clearly better documented. The ESCOP defines uses for "productive cough and catarrh of the respiratory tract and chronic bronchitis"

Tea preparation: About 1.5 g (about 1 teaspoon) of the cut and crushed drug is poured over a cup of boiling water and sieved after 10 to 15 minutes. As a cough expectorant, drink one cup every 3 hours.

Stomach problems and nausea may occur sporadically.

Due to lack of experience no use in children <12 years hypersensitivity to the active substance, bronchial asthma , acute obstructive laryngitis in the history of children,

Fixed commercial preparations are e.g. Sinupret® juice adults: 7.0-7.0-7.0ml; children: 2-5 years: 2.1-2.1-2.1ml

Ingredients

Gentianae radix (gentian root) +

Verbenae herba (verbena) +

Herba Rumicis acetosae (sorrel herb) +

Sambuci flos (elderflower) +

Primulae flos (cowslip flowers with calyx)

1. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/primel.php
2. Montag A (2023) Plants and skin. Springer-Verlag GmbH. S. 821-824. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-63014-3_7