Would you like a splash of color on your plate? How about primrose blossoms? They are available in white, orange, yellow, red, pink, violet, blue and multicolored. There are no limits to what you can wish for. But you shouldn't be reckless…
Many types of primula are edible and popular medicinal plants
Don't eat all the primroses!
There are numerous types of primroses. Not all of them are edible. The well-known cup primula, for example, is poisonous and should not be eaten. It contains high levels of a toxin called primin.
The toxin primin and its effects
Even skin contact with Primin can lead to inflammation. So-called primrose dermatitis occurs in sensitive people. Itching, blisters, swelling and pain on the skin are the symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to wear rubber gloves as a precaution when handling primroses.
The consumption of poisonous primroses such as the cup primrose causes gastrointestinal problems as well as nausea and vomiting. Even animals like cats and birds are not immune to the effects. If you have poisoned yourself with primroses, you must act quickly. A trip to the vet should not be missed.
Which parts of the plant are edible
Cushion primroses and cowslips (also part of the primula family) are also widespread. They are edible and contain no toxins. The flowers as well as the leaves and roots can be eaten.
The leaves, flowers and root in action
The parts of the plant can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Whether fresh or dried, they taste mild. The leaves can be used, for example, for salads and stews and the flowers for sweet desserts and fruit salads, as well as sugared on a cake. Herb syrup can also be made from the plant parts of the primula. The preparation as a tea infusion is mainly used for healing purposes.
Primroses as medicinal plants
Primroses are known as medicinal plants. They impress with their high content of saponins. These are mainly contained in the sepals and roots. With them, primroses help with:
- to cough
- cold
- bronchitis
- whooping cough
- dizziness
- gout
- asthma
- a headache
- limb tremors
tips and tricks
You should not eat primroses that you bought early from the florist or from the hardware store. They are over-fertilized and usually treated with pesticides. It does more harm than good to your health.