Primrose Oil Benefits

Primrose oil is also known as evening primrose oil, because it blossoms in the evening. The primrose oil contains essential omega 6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. These two ingredients in the oil of primrose, benefit us in various ways. These fatty acids are needed to perform numerous necessary functions of the body, like regulating the heart and increasing absorption of insulin. Besides omega 6 fatty acids, primrose oil contains linoleic acid and gamma linoleic acids which add to the evening primrose oil health benefits. These acids are helpful in reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, regulate the use of insulin and maintain the normal body weight. The high linoleic content of evening primrose oil proves to be beneficial for the reduction of swelling and irritation of skin. Primrose oil is available in the form of primrose oil capsule or in the form of creams. Creams are usually designed for external use. These evening primrose oil creams for skin, rejuvenate the skin and have anti-aging properties. Let us discuss evening primrose oil benefits.

Health Benefits of Primrose Oil

There are numerous health benefits associated with primrose oil. The health benefits of primrose oil include treating symptoms of a number of diseases which are as follows:

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
The irritability and depression during the premenstrual time period is relieved by primrose oil. Other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome like swollen abdomen and tender breasts are cured by evening primrose oil. Evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory effect and is beneficial for a wide range of pains and cramping experienced in PMS.

Eczema
Primrose is effective in eczema, psoriasis and acne treatment. Evening primrose oil has been used for treating skin disorders especially, eczema. Symptoms of eczema include redness and itching. Evening primrose oil is used in several countries to treat skin disorders.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain and primrose oil is effective in providing relief in this condition. Evening primrose oil is commonly used in relieving the pain and swelling. However, evening primrose oil is effective when taken along with fish oil. Successful results are observed when evening primrose oil is taken along with fish oil. Besides the beneficial effects of primrose oil, it is advisable to use primrose oil with the consultation of a doctor.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Studies reveal the fact that primrose oil benefits men by reducing their blood cholesterol levels. Blood cholesterol is a major concern for many of us. People suffering from blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are well assisted in good blood circulation, reduction in blood cholesterol and maintaining healthy arteries with primrose. The linoleic acid in the evening primrose oil helps to reduce the tendency of abnormal blood clotting and thereby reduces the risk of high blood cholesterol.

Alcoholism
Another evening primrose oil benefits include treating the after effects of alcoholism. The withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism and post drinking depression symptoms are greatly reduced with evening primrose oil. Evening primrose benefits include, decreasing the effect of alcohol poisoning and hangovers.

Other Problems
Inflammation in multiple sclerosis and due to any other disorders is reduced and prevented with evening primrose oil supplements. The transmission of nerve impulses and memory problems associated with Alzheimer's disease are treated with evening primrose oil. Primrose oil helps in treating problems related to aging as well. Evening primrose oil strengthens the immune system. In combination with thyme, the evening primrose oil is said to cure acute bronchitis.

Primrose Oil Side Effects

Besides the many evening primrose oil benefits, there are certain side effects of evening primrose. Gastrointestinal upset and bloating are the mild side effects of primrose oil. Also, patients of schizophrenia suffer from the side effects of primrose oil as it reacts with phenothiazine epileptogenic drugs that are used to treat a schizophrenic patient. Pregnant women should not use evening primrose oil as it may alter the composition of breast milk.

Nevertheless, there are a lot of benefits as compared to the side effects. Apart from the primrose oil benefits, evening primrose oil interacts with drugs like warfarin, aspirin, neuroleptic agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Not every one suffers from these side effects. Thus, today evening primrose oil is used to treat the symptoms of a wide variety of diseases and disorders.