I love seeing the delicate pale yellow wild primroses on verges and riversides as I walk or drive. They brighten up the green banks surviving two seasons through winter and spring.
They’re not so common as dandelions and brambles, and are often planted in gardens to lighten the spirits through the winter months.
My relationship with them is one built up since childhood where I associate them with arriving at my cousins house for the holidays. I knew we were close then they became denser in the country lanes. They were holidays where we’d play outside a lot, especially in nature creating all sorts of adventures together.
ID features
They five petalled, pale yellow, with a brighter yellow centre around a hole which must house the nectar. The flower buds are long and green and the stem is hairy and about 10cm long. The leaves are tongue shaped with very deep wrinkles and grow in a rosette.
Medicinal uses
It is the roots of primrose that were traditionally used to make cough remedies due to their saponin content. This can also be found in lower amounts in the sepals and leaves.
Saponins, (which means “soap-like”) can be too irritant to the digestive tract for some people. In small amounts it makes a very effective expectorant. This is because it thins mucous and phlegm making it much easier to cough up. It’s helpful for bronchitis-like conditions.
It is also a mind sedative which can reduce anxiety and aid relaxation and sleep.
How to make a cuppa
I put in about 4 flowers including the green sepals. You can also use the leaves. The water turned a pale yellowish colour.
Taste
Both the scent and the taste are very delicate and unassuming. Mildly sweet which I could only really notice when eating the flowers. I found it pleasant enough to want to drink a second cup. I’m not sure if the relaxation that came over me was from the peaceful pause of the tea ritual and tranquillity of the nature I was immersed in, or the sedative action.
For those Local to me:
My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.
There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.
£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services
Herbal Medicine Consultations
I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk
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