Oxlip vs Prunus serotina

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Oxlip

Primula elatior

Respiratory

Prunus serotina

Respiratory

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Oxlip

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Prunus serotina

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

European woodland primrose; flowers and roots used interchangeably with cowslip in traditional European medicine for respiratory and nervous conditions.

North American cherry used by Native Americans for cough, cold, and fever; bark syrup historically popular.

Active Compounds

saponins, phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, tannins

prunasin, benzaldehyde, hydrocyanic acid, tannins, resin, scopoletin

Traditional Uses

Coughs and bronchitis in European folk medicine, Insomnia and anxiety, Used similarly to cowslip across Central Europe

cough, bronchitis, fever, diarrhea, anxiety

Modern Uses

Expectorant, Sedative, Anti-inflammatory

antitussive, antispasmodic, sedative, astringent

Adult Dosage

2–3 g root as decoction; 1–2 g flowers as tea

1-2ml tincture or 1-2g bark daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Allergy to Primulaceae, Salicylate sensitivity

children large doses - cyanogenic, liver disease, pregnancy large doses

Side Effects

GI irritation from saponins, Allergic reactions

cyanide toxicity with overdose

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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