Evidence supporting the use of: Cowslip
For the health condition: Sleep (restless and disturbed)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Cowslip (Primula veris) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for supporting sleep, particularly in cases of restlessness and disturbed sleep. Its use is noted in several ethnobotanical records and traditional pharmacopeias, where cowslip flowers were often prepared as infusions or teas to exert mild sedative effects. Historical texts, such as those from the 16th and 17th centuries, describe cowslip as a “nervine” and a remedy for insomnia, headaches, and anxiety-related restlessness. The sedative reputation of cowslip is attributed mainly to its content of flavonoids, saponins, and small amounts of essential oil. However, there is limited modern scientific research directly evaluating cowslip’s efficacy for sleep disorders. While some preclinical studies have explored its sedative and anxiolytic potential in animal models, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) acknowledges its traditional use in minor sleep disturbances, but this is based on well-established use rather than scientific validation. In summary, cowslip’s use for sleep is primarily traditional, supported by historical and ethnobotanical evidence, but lacks strong scientific validation or clinical trial data.

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Products containing cowslip

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