The Primrose is an herbaceous perennial plant. It belongs to the family of Primula  which hold its origin to Western and Southern Europe, South west Asia and Northwest Africa. The scientific name given to the Primrose is Rimula Vulgaris. The other names by which it is also known is English primrose or common primrose. The Primrose is a low growing plant and it grows only as high as 10-30cms. The leaves of the Primrose are 5-25 cm long and about 2-6 cm broad. It has vibrant flowers which come in ample varieties of colors like yellow, white, red, pale or purple.

The word Primrose has been derived from a French word “Primrosa “or mid Latin word “Prima Rosa” which means the “first rose”. The Primrose is one of the earliest flowers which bloom in spring in maximum parts of Europe.

In order to avoid extra damage to the Primrose species picking up or removing Primrose plants from the wild area sis treated as an offence and illegal in many countries. There was a time when the wild primrose was the only plant that used to be seen in the Victorian cottage gardens. These days’ nurseries keep a good stock of wild primrose as there are many gardeners who are very fond of wildflowers.

The Primrose is a delicate flower and comes in many vibrant colors. If the Primrose is planted in the home garden they may the garden look very attractive and a delight to see. Most of the Primrose is very easy to grow and when they are planted in a rock garden or highlands they look excellent. The   primrose plant does not need much sun but partial to full shade is required for its growth. The soil in which it is grown should be peat soil which is rich in organic material and which has lots of moisture. Though maximum types of Primrose prefer soil which has pH which is acidic but the Auricula Primrose prefer soil which has pH which is neutral. After the flowering season is over the crowded clumps of the Primrose can be dug and divided .The Primrose do not grow well in hot climate. They can be propagated by planting the roots of the little rosettes which appear after the flowering season. The Primrose can grow from the seeds of their own plant.

The Primrose has very high concentration of fatty acids known as the GLA due to which the Primrose has a remarkable healing power. The Primrose is a very good medicine for problems that relate to monthly cycle. Test show that it helps to reduce the problems that are related to the periods like irritability, bloating and depression etc and also regulates the periods. The other problems for which the primrose is used  as medicines are for allergies, for regulating cholesterol problems , asthma, multiple sclerosis, headaches which are chronic, complications arising from diabetes etc. It is also drunk as tea in order to fight obesity.

The roots leaves and stems of the Primrose are boiled in water and a sort of tea is prepared which is an effective treatment for dry skin, itchiness acnes and pimples and which acts as a very good nourishment for the health of the skin.