Cowslip (Primula veris) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly as a mild sedative and for its calming effects. Folk medicine practitioners used cowslip flowers and roots in teas, tinctures, and syrups to address symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, and mild anxiety. The plant contains flavonoids and saponins, which were believed to have gentle soothing properties on the nervous system. Historical herbal texts, such as those by Nicholas Culpeper and in 19th-century European materia medica, mention cowslip in the context of promoting relaxation and alleviating mild nervous disorders.

However, scientific validation for cowslip’s efficacy in treating clinically diagnosed anxiety disorders is minimal. There is a lack of high-quality, controlled clinical trials supporting its use for this purpose. The evidence is largely anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than modern pharmacological investigation. While cowslip is included in some contemporary herbal blends marketed for calming effects, regulatory agencies such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recognize its use primarily for coughs and respiratory health, not anxiety. In summary, cowslip’s use for anxiety is supported by tradition, but robust scientific evidence is lacking.