Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose is a flowering plant that has been used throughout the centuries. Native to Mexico and some parts of Central America, evening primrose has many species, with flowers in different colors, like, white, yellow, red, purple, pink, etc. However, most of the evening primrose species produce yellow flowers. Common evening primrose or Oenothera biennis has yellow flowers and is found to be mostly used for therapeutic purposes.

It is said that evening primrose has strong healing powers and is popularly known as 'King's cure-all'. The native Americans used to make an infusion using this plant for treating various ailments. It has been one of the popular herbal medicines for a very long time and even today, it has many uses. However, nowadays, this herb is used in the form of evening primrose oil supplements.

What is Evening Primrose Oil

As stated above, evening primrose is a herb that has been used for centuries. Earlier, infusions were made out of the whole plant and was used for healing wounds and bruises, for treating gastrointestinal disorders, asthmatic cough, etc. Nowadays, this herb is available in the form of evening primrose oil, which is extracted from the mature seeds of this plant. It is said that 70% of this oil contains both linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid, which are among the rare essential fatty acids that are essential for healthy growth and development of the human body.

Evening Primrose Oil Benefits

Evening primrose oil, which is now available in both liquid and capsule form, is used for treating a wide range of ailments. It is said that the medicinal properties of this oil is due to its essential fatty acid content.

• Evening primrose oil is said to have cholesterol-lowering properties and so, is beneficial in preventing some heart diseases. The risk of heart diseases can be reduced by using this oil, as it reduces the chances of forming blood clots.
• It is also very widely used in the treatment of some skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. It can alleviate the inflammation, itching and scaling of the skin. Even the skin rash and hives caused by allergies can be relieved by using evening primrose oil.
• Another benefit of this oil is that it can effectively control the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or PMS. It is said to be useful in providing relief from breast pain, bloating, mood swings, etc. Even menopausal symptoms, like, hot flashes and depression is said to be alleviated by this herb.
• In some people, symptoms of diabetic neuropathy is said to be relieved with evening primrose oil. It is also claimed that this oil is good for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
• Some people use this essential oil for acne. Topical application of this oil is said to be effective in reducing swelling and redness and also in preventing scarring.
• You might have heard about the use of evening primrose oil for hair. In case of hair, massaging with this oil is claimed to be useful for arresting hair loss.

In short, evening primrose oil is used for treating a wide range of health problems, ranging from mild to severe. However, you must approach a qualified herbal practitioner for the right treatment with this herbal supplement. You must follow the prescribed dosage, for best results. Overdose may result in stomach pain and loose stools. Other evening primrose oil side effects include nausea, headache, stomach pain, etc. However, those with seizure disorder, psychiatric disorder, bleeding problems or blood disorder, must avoid using this oil. It is also not recommended for pregnant and lactating women. It may also interact with some prescription drugs, so, it will be better to seek the opinion of your doctor before you take evening primrose oil.