Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose is a plant native to North America, but it grows in Europe and parts of the Southern hemisphere as well. It has yellow flowers that bloom in the evening. Evening primrose oil contains the fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). (1)
Evening primrose oil may help
- Relieve osteoporosis
- Alleviate skin conditions
- Balance hormones and reduce PMS symptoms
- Improve nerve damage symptoms
Based on reports, it may help to
- Reduce inflammation
- Promote healthy circulation
- Support brain function
- Decrease cholesterol
Benefits
1) Relieves osteoporosis
According to WebMD, taking evening, primrose oil with fish oil and calcium may decrease bone loss and increase bone density in older people with osteoporosis. (2)
2) Alleviates skin conditions
The oil may help individuals with skin conditions such as acne and eczema by promoting hormonal balance.
Balancing hormones can also reduce inflammation, which can benefit individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
3) Balances hormones and reduces PMS symptoms
Evening primrose oil is a high-quality source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), and many women use it to support hormone balance, reduce PMS symptoms, breast tenderness and relieve menopause symptoms.
4) Improves nerve damage symptoms
According to Markus MacGill from Medical News Today, clinical trials show that taking evening primrose oil for 6-12 months can improve the symptoms of nerve damage due to diabetes. (3)
Evening primrose oil synergy, and works well with
- Multivitamin to increase EPO absorption
- Vitamin E to relieve skin problems
- Iodine to promote skin health
- Agnus Castus to balance hormones during PMS, and alleviate heavy and painful periods
- D-L-phenylalanine or L-phenylalanine alongside EPO to relieve menstrual pain and discomfort
- Liquorice root to reduce skin inflammation
- Raspberry leaf for PMS and period symptoms
Some things to consider
Don’t take evening primrose if you have epilepsy or schizophrenia as it might increase your seizure risk. Consult your doctor before taking evening primrose oil if you are pregnant. According to the Mayo Clinic, evening primrose oil might increase the risk of pregnancy complications. (4)
According to reviews on Evening Primrose-Oil on www.drugs.com results are mixed for this herb. (5)
Resources
Last accessed online 23/06/2020
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/evening-primrose-oil
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1006/evening-primrose-oil
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263027
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-evening-primrose/art-20364500
- https://www.drugs.com/comments/evening-primrose/evening-primrose-oil.html#
