Cowbell is a rare medicinal plant. Among other things, it is used in homeopathy against various ailments and diseases.
Occurrence and cultivation of the cowbell
If the cowbell is dried, it loses its toxicity, which is the case with most buttercups. Cow parsley (Pulsatilla) is also known as common cow parsley or common pasque flower. It belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Other names include dormouse, buck’s beard, cleaver’s weed, and wolf’s paw. The name cowlark comes from the shape of a half-closed flower. This bears resemblance to a cowbell or a bell. In 1996, the pasque flower was named flower of the year. The pasque flower is one of the rare plants. For this reason, it has now even been placed under nature protection. It is native to Western and Central European countries such as France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. However, it can also be found in England, Denmark, Ukraine and in the south of Sweden. The plant prefers sunny locations and dry soils for its habitat. In Germany, the cow parsnip is mostly found in low mountain ranges on calcareous rock. In northern Germany it grows exclusively on gravel soils. The flowering time of the pasque flower starts already in March and ends in May. Therefore, it is also extremely important for insects such as bees, bumblebees and ants, which find food on it early. The pasque flower, which grows as a herbaceous perennial plant, can reach a maximum height of 15 centimeters. In the fruiting season, it can even reach 40 centimeters. As a deep rooter, it reaches more than one meter into the ground. The pinnate leaves of the plant have pubescence in their early stages. The color of the petals is purple, while the stamens have a yellow tinge. In the course of time, there is a transformation of cowlick into a kind of dandelion, which has numerous seed-bearing feather tails.
Effect and application
Although the cowbell has beautiful-looking flowers, great care should be taken when touching them. Thus, sensitive people are at risk of rashes if they touch the flowers. Basically, the plant is poisonous in the undried state. Because of its toxicity, it is hardly used in its undried state. However, if the cowlick is dried, it loses its toxicity, which is the case with most buttercups. The ingredients of cow parsley include protoanemonin, saponins, ranunculin as well as anemonol. Dried herb of the pasque flower was used in earlier times for the treatment of nervous complaints. In addition, the plant served as a tonic for women. Thus, the pasque flower has antispasmodic, analgesic and sedative properties. In modern times, the dried herb is used primarily for women’s ailments such as menstrual cramps or cystitis. Another effect of the medicinal plant is the suppression of pathogens, so it is considered germ-inhibiting. It was already used in ancient Greece. In the 1st century AD it was recommended by the Greek military physician Pedanios Dioscorides, who was one of the most famous pharmacologists of that time. Dioscorides used the plant against eye ailments and ulcers. The Romans also used the pasque flower as a remedy to reduce fever. Likewise, the North American Indians appreciated the effects of the medicinal plant and used it for joint pain, nosebleeds, and respiratory and digestive problems. They also counted cowbell among the four sacred plants in the Rocky Mountains. In the Middle Ages, cowbell was considered sinister, which is why people called it devil’s beard at the time. However, in 1564, the German physician and naturalist Adam Lonicerus recommended the plant for cleansing the brain. Later it was also used to treat eye ailments such as cataracts. To use the pasque flower, it is recommended to add a teaspoon of dried herb to a cup of boiling water. It remains in it for 10 minutes. It is recommended to take a cup with the herb three times a day. Apart from the dried herb, the cowslip can also be used in the form of a tincture.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
From folk medicine and phytotherapy, Pulsatilla is used sparingly and in low doses due to its toxicity. One of the main uses of cowbell is menstrual cramps, which can be relieved due to the antispasmodic effect of the medicinal plant. In addition, inflammation, pain such as headaches, and fungal infections associated with premenstrual syndrome can be treated. Since the pasque flower also has a regulating effect on menstruation, it is suitable for the therapy of irregular bleeding. Because Pulsatilla also has an expectorant effect, it is also used against respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, bronchial asthma and whooping cough. Furthermore, it has antipyretic properties. Other recommended uses include bladder problems, rheumatism, arthritis, muscle cramps, tension headaches, nervousness, anxiety and earaches. Cowbell is very popular in homeopathy, where it forms its own constitutional type. Under the name Pulsatilla, the homeopathic remedy is used for various complaints that primarily affect women. These include irregular periods, bladder weakness, stomach pain, colds and migraines. Other uses include hives, eczema, lichen, ulcers, gout, kidney weakness, biliousness, as well as liver weakness and depression. If the patient suffers from acute complaints, potencies from D4 to D12 are used. On the other hand, if chronic complaints are present, the potency D30 is recommended.
