Evening primrose is a plant that grows throughout Europe and parts of Asia and it is a native to North and South America. It contains yellow color flowers that open at sunset and close during the day. The oil from the seeds of evening primrose is extracted and used to make medicine.
Table of contents
- Importance of Evening primrose oil
- Benefits of Evening primrose oil
- Supplements and dosage of Evening primrose oil
- Evening primrose oil side effects
- Summary
Importance of Evening primrose oil
The evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose (Oenothera Bennis) plant. It has numerous uses and is widely available in supplement form. The oil is a rich source of omega-6 essential fatty acids. As the evening primrose oil contains linoleic acid as well as Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) – both are essential components of myelin, the protective coating around nerve fibers, and the neuronal cell membrane. Evening primrose oil is normally taken as a supplement or applied topically. Evening primrose oil also contains polyphenols. It is known for its hormone-balancing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Benefits of Evening primrose oil
- It can help clear up acne
The Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) is thought to help acne by reducing skin inflammation and the number of skin cells that cause lesions. It may also help the skin retain moisture.
- It can help improve overall skin health
Evening primrose oil contains GLA which may help in improving the skin’s epidermis. As a result, it smoothens the skin and improves its elasticity, moisture, firmness, fatigue resistance. As per the study, GLA is necessary for ideal skin structure and function. Because the skin can’t produce GLA on its own, researchers believe taking GLA-rich EPO helps keep skin healthy overall.
- It may help relieve Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms
Evening primrose oil is highly effective in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, such as depression, irritability, bloating. Some studies have shown that some women experience PMS because they’re sensitive to normal prolactin levels in the body. GLA converts to a substance in the body (prostaglandin E1) thought to help prevent prolactin from triggering PMS.
- It may help reduce hot flashes
Evening primrose oil may reduce the severity of hot flashes, one of the most uncomfortable side effects of menopause.
- It may help reduce high blood pressure
It helps in reducing the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy or preeclampsia, a condition that causes dangerously high blood pressure during and after pregnancy.
- It may help improve heart health
Evening primrose oil is an anti-inflammatory agent and helps reduce blood cholesterol. Most people with heart disease have inflammation in the body, although there are no proper evidences to prove that inflammation causes heart disease.
- It can help reduce nerve pain
Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of diabetes and other conditions. Older research has shown that taking linolenic acid helps reduce neuropathy symptoms, such as hot and cold sensitivity, numbness, tingling and weakness.
- It may help ease bone pain
Bone pain is often caused by rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder. The GLA in Evening primrose oil has the potential to reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain without causing unwanted side effects.
