Benefits of Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose plant is considered to be a native of Mexico or Central America, but now has spread to temperate regions across the globe. As the name suggests, the flowers of this plant bloom in the evening. Earlier, the whole plant was used to make an infusion, which helped in healing many diseases. This plant was also popularly known as King's cure-all because of the wide range of healing powers attached to it. Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant.

Today, this essential oil, which is available in both capsule and liquid form, is widely used in treating many diseases. Some treatments are based on scientific backing and some are not. It is believed that the reason behind the healing powers of evening primrose oil, is its essential fatty acid content. The following are some of the health benefits of the evening primrose oil:

• Evening primrose plant is used in the treatment of many skin diseases and disorders. It is said that this oil is effective against eczema, which makes the skin inflamed, itchy and scaly. It also protects the skin from environmental pollution and acts as a moisturizer.
• Evening primrose oil supplements can reduce the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes). The symptoms of this condition include, numbness, pain or lack of sensation in the feet and legs.
• Premenstrual symptoms like headache, breast pain, depression, etc. are alleviated by the use of evening primrose oil.
• It also helps in improving fertility and reduces the risk of breast cancer. Evening primrose oil is also used to lessen the symptoms related to menopause.
• Usage of this oil helps in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis like tender and swollen joints, morning stiffness and joint pain.
• Evening primrose oil is beneficial to heart patients as it helps to lower blood cholesterol. It is said that it can increase HDL (good cholesterol) and reduce LDL (bad cholesterol). It can also help to prevent formation of blood clots.
• It is also effective in checking high blood pressure, assisting circulation and maintaining healthy arteries, thereby preventing heart diseases.
• Evening primrose oil helps in reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
• It helps in maintaining healthy bones and thereby prevents osteoporosis. Using evening primrose oil aids calcium absorption in the body, reduces the amount of calcium excreted through urine and increases the calcium deposits in the bones.
• It is said that regular use of evening primrose oil can help in improving the mental state of psychiatric patients. It is also helpful in reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics.
• Evening primrose oil helps the body to regulate weight and curbs aging.

Like many other herbs, use of evening primrose oil have been associated with many side effects like rashes, nausea, upset stomach and loose bowel movements. Even though its promoters vouch for its safety, it is always advisable to consult your doctor before using evening primrose oil.