Why take primrose oil

The Evening Primrose plant, Oenothera biennis, is a wildflower with yellow flowers that open at sunset and close during the day. It was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat swellings, bruises, haemorrhoids, sore throats and digestive upsets. In the 17 th century, it was introduced to England and Europe where it was used for its edible root, leaves and seeds. The oil from Evening Primrose seeds contains two omega-6 essential fatty acids — linoleic acid LA and, most importantly, gamma-linolenic acid GLA.

They are referred to as essential fatty acids because your body does not manufacture them, so they need to be included in your diet. GLA is an important anti-inflammatory fatty acid for the body. This in turn converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 PGE1 which fights inflammation.

It is also a potent vasodilator which means it dilates the blood vessels and also helps thin the blood. Having enough nutrients like magnesium, zinc, vitamins B3, B6 and C are important to help support this conversion.

Because of its GLA contents, Evening Primrose oil can support joint discomfort as well as skin health challenges. It also has benefits for normal hormone production and hormone balance. But why would you use an essential oil instead of a pill? Fair question! And if…. To get the most out of your probably expensive skin care products, you need to apply them in the right order. Aloe vera is kind of the Superman of the botanical world, but is it safe to use on your face?

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Not always, but it can still play a role in wellness. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Here are 13 science-supported benefits of adding EPO to your daily routine. Share on Pinterest. It could cool your night sweats. It soothes eczema. It makes your heart happy. It could regulate blood pressure. Evening primrose is a plant native to North and South America that also grows throughout Europe and parts of Asia.

It has yellow flowers that open at sunset and close during the day. The oil from evening primrose seeds contains omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid GLA. Native Americans made poultices from the evening primrose plant for bruises and wounds and used its stem and leaf juices as topical remedies for skin inflammations.

The leaves were taken orally for gastrointestinal complaints and sore throats. Evening primrose oil may also be included in products that are applied to the skin.

How Much Do We Know? Many studies in people have evaluated evening primrose oil for atopic dermatitis or breast pain. Smaller numbers of studies have evaluated it for other health conditions. What Have We Learned? Evening primrose oil, taken orally by mouth , has not been shown to be helpful for relieving symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Studies of evening primrose oil for breast pain have not found it to be more effective than a placebo an inactive substance.

Evening primrose oil is probably safe for most adults. Less is known about its safety for children. Evening primrose oil may be safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but the evidence is not conclusive. Evening primrose oil is generally well tolerated.