medicinal herbs
Oxlip
Primula elatior

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: Oxlip

Latin name: Primula elatior

Family: Primulaceae (Primrose Family)

Medicinal use of Oxlip:

The root is diuretic and expectorant. It is used in the treatment of coughs, flu and other febrile conditions, insomnia and migraine. The root can be harvested in the spring or autumn and is dried for later use.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Woods and meadows on chalky boulder clay.

Edible parts of Oxlip:

Young leaves - raw or cooked in soups etc. They have a mild flavour and are available in late winter.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Sow stored seed in early spring in a cold frame. Germination is inhibited by temperatures above 20°C. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in the summer. Division in autumn. This is best done every other year.

Cultivation of Oxlip:

Woods and meadows on chalky boulder clay.

Known hazards of Primula elatior:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.