primrose, lamb’s-quarters, primrose, medicinal primrose, clematis, forest potion, honeysuckle, primrose, medicinal primrose, primrose, primrose; family Primroses (Rhitiiaceae); spring primrose
Provesna The snow in the forest has almost melted. There is still water in the lowlands, and rosettes of fleshy, velvety downy leaves have appeared on dry areas and open sunny places, in broad-leaved and mixed forests, among shrubs and on lawns. From the middle of the rosettes rise flower arrows with a rare umbrella-like inflorescence, which are formed by slightly drooping, light yellow flowers. This is the spring primrose , or primrose. One of the folk names of primrose is baranchiki.
Primrose is a perennial rhizome plant, the height of its peduncle does not exceed 10-20 cm. The rhizome is vertical, short, with numerous thin brownish roots. It usually blooms in the second half of April — early May. The fruit is an egg-shaped capsule. It grows in the forest and forest-steppe zone
European part of Russia. In other areas, the spring primrose is replaced by other types of primrose. In Ukraine, it grows in forest and forest-steppe areas, less often in the northeast of the steppe zone in forests, on forest edges, among shrubs.
As a medicinal plant, primrose was used even in the ancient world. All parts have healing properties: rhizomes with roots, leaves, flowers. For the preparation of medicines, the rhizomes are harvested in the spring, before the plant blooms, or in the fall, after the leaves wither. Dry them in the open air or in a warm, ventilated room, spreading them in a thin layer on paper or cloth and stirring occasionally. The leaves are collected at the beginning of flowering, they are cut with scissors or a sharp knife. It is necessary to leave half of the leaves on each plant, so as not to weaken it, not to interfere with flowering and recovery. The leaves are dried quickly and carefully at a high temperature (80-90 °C). With such processing, ascorbic acid is preserved (up to 6% in the leaf in terms of dry weight). The flowers are carefully plucked or cut with whole inflorescences and dried in the open air under shelter.
The rhizomes have a complex chemical composition, they contain saponins, glycosides, essential oil and carotene (provitamin A). Flowers and leaves contain saponins, flavonoids, carotene and vitamin C, as well as essential oil.
Primrose is mostly used as an expectorant for respiratory diseases (bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis). For this, an infusion of crushed rhizomes and a decoction of primrose leaves are used. At the same time, these medicinal forms have an analgesic and diuretic effect, they are prescribed for rheumatism, kidney and bladder diseases. The rhizomes, leaves and flowers of primrose together with other herbs (chamomile, anise, plantain) are part of various collections and medicinal teas.
In folk medicine, the infusion of primrose rhizomes is used not only as an expectorant, but also to dissolve external hemorrhages (bruises). Infusion of flowers, according to the recommendations of folk healers, is drunk for colds, sore throats, headaches, neuroses and insomnia.
Due to the high content of ascorbic acid and carotene, primrose leaves are an excellent addition to vitamin salads, especially those with hypo- and avitaminosis A and C.
Infusion of rhizomes. 10 g of crushed raw materials per 200 ml of boiling water. Insist for 15 minutes, filter. Take 1-2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day before meals.
Infusion of flowers. 10 g of flowers per 200 ml of boiling water. Insist for 15 minutes, filter. The entire amount of infusion is divided into equal portions and drunk during the day.
Infusion of leaves. 10 g of raw material per 200 ml of boiling water. Insist for 15-20 minutes, filter. Take 1/4 cup 4 times a day as a vitamin drink.