Oenothera

The genus name Oenothera is from the Greek words oinos, "wine", and thera, "to hunt". When first named these plants were confused with another genus that had roots bearing aroma of wine.

The common oenothera is a tall, biennial plant that produces clusters of yellow flowers with four petals in a cross like form. It grows throughout northeastern North America around 200 years ago, and can now be found in sandy soils and on railway embankments throughout Germany. The plant got its name from the fact that the flowers first open in the evening, then remain wide open during next day. So it is also known as evening star. The fleshy roots that are collected in the fall were formerly used as a vegetable. They were cooked in an oil and vinegar type of broth. The seeds have an aromatic taste reminiscent of poppy seed oil. During wartime, the seeds were used as a coffee substitute.

Other names for oenothera are fever plant, night willow herb, tree primrose, common evening primrose.

Uses of Oenothera:
Oenothera seeds contain up to twenty-five percent oil. Oenothera oil contains two types of omega-6 fatty acids: linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. These acids are considered essential fatty acids because they are required for health and are not synthesized by the body. Linolenic acid deficiency produces visible signs in the skin, including eczema, impetigo, and erythema. Oenothera oil is used to formulation f cosmetic products and also as a dietary supplement.

Oenothera oil is available as capsules for internal use. Used in this way, it may also be capable of guarding against coronary arterial disease. This is because essential fatty acids are instrumental in the transport of cholesterol.

The gamma linolenic acid can help to lower blood cholesterol levels, which may help prevent heart disease or a stroke.

A popular use of oenothera oil is for relief of breast pain and tenderness linked to premenstrual syndrome like irritability, breast pain, tenderness and mood changes. The oil is also useful in eczema, blood pressure elevated cholesterol, alcoholism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, hypertension, diabetes, post viral fatigue disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, schizophrenia, platelet aggregation, vascular blockage, inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis, especially the most maddening one, and itching. The flowers, leaves and stem bark are used for their astringent, sedative and expectorant properties. The roots are used for hemorrhoids.

Oenothera oil has also been used in skin preparations and cosmetics and to strengthen brittle nails.

If you want to try oenothera oil, buy capsules in a health food store and take them according to the label corrections. For topical treatment, break open the capsules and apply the contents to your skin until it shines with a thin layer of oil. Then rub in the oil.

Side Effects of Evening Primrose:
Side effects of oenothera oil are generally mild and include nausea, gastric upset, and headache. There is a theoretical possibility that consuming large amounts could affect the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (A, K, E). In the case of vitamin K, this could compromise normal hemostasis. Because of the effect of gamma linolenic acid on prostaglandin synthesis, there is a potential of large amounts are taken. Similarly, it has been reported that gamma linolenic acid lowers the convulsant threshold, which may necessitate an adjustment in the dosage of anticonvulsant. The use of oenothera oil in pregnant women is unwise. Consumption of large amounts, or consumption over an extended period, should probably be avoided.

Caution:
Oenothera oil is generally very well tolerated. Large doses can cause loose stools and abdominal cramping. It is definitely contraindicated in pregnancy and there have been some reports of seizures in patients with schizophrenia concomitantly taking anti-psychotic medication.