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Primrose
Botanical: Primula vulgaris
Family: N.O. Primulaceae
The plant is abundant in woods, hedgerows and pastures and is in full flower during April and May. In sheltered spots in mild winters it is often found in blossom during the opening days of the year.
The Primrose possesses somewhat similar medicinal properties to those of the Cowslip. It has a root-stock, knotty with the successive bases of fallen leaves and bearing cylindrical, branched rootlets on all sides.
Parts Used Medicinally and Preparation for Market---The whole herb, used fresh, and in bloom, and the root-stock (the so-called root) dried.
The roots of two- or three-year-old plants are used, dug in autumn. The roots must be thoroughly cleansed in cold water, with a brush, allowing them to remain in water as short a time as possible. All smaller fibres are trimmed off. Large roots may be split lengthwise to facilitate drying, but as a rule this will not be necessary with Primrose roots.
Both the root and flowers of the Primrose contain a fragrant oil and
Primulin.
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