a day in the life of a latvian mom

It feels like spring never truly arrives until I see the first cowslips blooming. They’re early, humble, and bright—little golden bells dotting the meadows, as if the earth itself is waking up with a gentle yawn.

There’s a kind of innocence in them. Soft, downy leaves close to the ground, and those sunny blooms nodding politely in the breeze. Not loud, not showy—just happy to be here. That’s what they feel like: happiness in flower form.

Cowslip is more than just a cheerful face in springtime. It carries with it a deep, quiet strength—especially when the nervous system is frayed or the body feels heavy from too many gray days.

Traditionally, cowslip has been used for:

• Soothing anxiety and restlessness – Especially in children and those sensitive to stress.
• Helping with insomnia – Often included in calming bedtime blends.
• Easing coughs and congestion – As a mild expectorant for dry, tickly coughs.
• Relieving headaches – Especially tension-type or stress-related.
• Supporting the skin – Sometimes used in washes for minor irritations.

I love it most in gentle teas, mixed with other spring herbs like lemon balm or linden. Or simply on its own, in the quiet of an afternoon when everything feels a bit too much.

Have you met a cowslip in the wild? I heard it’s protected or considered vulnerable in some parts of the UK and Ireland due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. Here in Latvia, we still have plenty, and it is not considered vulnerable.

Ilze

P.S. I browsed the pictures on my phone and found out that I haven’t shared this with you. Pictures are taken at the end of April 2025.