'In their gold coats spots you see, These be rubies fairy favours In those freckles lie their savours.'

Shakespeare had immortalized cowslip in ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ where he referred to the magical properties of the flower that help improve complexion. Since time immemorial it is believed that cowslip flowers when applied to the skin take away all blemishes. This five-petal flower is of yellow colour with a red spot on each petal. It bears the Latin name ‘Primula veris’ and belongs to the family of ‘N. O. Primulaceae’. These flowers, which occur at the terminal end of the stalk, grow out from one single point and are noted for their distinct, fresh fragrance.

These unusually beautiful flowers blossom in spring and adorn meadows, fields, coastal dunes pastures and are common all over Europe and Asia. It is the declared national flower of three English counties namely Northamptonshire, Surrey and Worcestershire.

The medicinal properties of cowslip are many. The yellow corolla is used to prepare medicines, the flowers provide excellent remedies for headaches, restlessness and insomnia. The roots offer a cure for rheumatism of the muscles. It is also considered to be a good diuretic and gives relief in whooping cough. Cowslip flowers are made into wine which is supposed to be a very effective sedative.