Evening Primrose Uses

The oil of evening primrose (EPO) is taken from the seeds and the chemical Hexane* is used to turn it into a medicine. The seeds on their own have up to 25% essential fatty acids; Linoleic Acid and Gamma Linolenic. These both belong to the omega -6 family and the body needs omega -6 and omega -3 to function healthily.

(*Organic evening primrose oil is often cold-pressed to extract the oil - you can buy it here at Amazon. It is certainly a healthier option than chemically extracted EPO - Ed)

Omega -3 can be found in your dietary requirements; these consist of oily fish such as fresh water fish, mackerel and trout, plant extracts such as flax seed and walnuts and in your normal daily vitamins. The body is very clever and uses the Linoleic Acid to help make Gamma Linolenic Acid.

GLA in the body is used to produce hormone-like compounds called Prostaglandins. These hormone-like compounds play a massive role in keeping the systems in our bodies functioning normally and the molecules are used in the regulation of inflammation, pain, blood pressure, fluid balance and blood clotting.

PMS - Evening primrose has been advised to be taken when premenstrual syndrome is taking place (PMS) and has been shown to reduce the swelling in the abdomen and sooth breast discomfort. It can calm irritability and PMS depression that some women may get during their monthly cycle by stabilizing hormones. It is seen as a women’s supplement and although it is taken by some menopausal women there are no studies to show that it helps with hot flushes.

Eczema – Taking this vitamin can help reduce inflammation within the skin, calm itching, crusting of the skin, Edema (fluid and swelling) and redness on the surface area. It can be taken by children and adults but is always advisable to speak to your doctor before taking EPO.

Cholesterol and blood pressure

Taking EPO can help to reduce high cholesterol as having more essential fatty acids in your body can help lower your Triglyceride levels. Since Evening primrose oil has a high amount of these fatty acids, this can help with lowering your cholesterol, (although it is always advisable to speak to your doctor before taking the vitamin as it may interfere with other prescribed medication.) For high blood pressure it can take up to a month for results to be seen.

Alcoholism

Taking Primrose oil can make withdrawal systems easier to deal with and reduce post-drinking depression. It can help improve the liver function, memory and motor co-ordination.

Immune system benefits of evening primrose

Low levels of essential fatty acids can cause the immune system to stop the action of interferons.

The above evening primrose uses are some of the commonest ones. There are other complaints which may be improved by evening primrose oil. Here is a summary of evening primrose benefits.

Primrose oil can provide the body with important fatty acids and can prevent many common problems. There is also research to suggest that the oil can help with obesity, benign breast disease and childhood hyperactivity.

Always remember to take a balance of omega -6 and omega -3 and the best way to do this is to take a full spectrum vitamin supplement that not only provides essential fatty acids but other crucial vitamins, such as vitamin C.

Evening primrose oil can be taken in capsule form and is available for vegetarians also. Please be aware that there have been reports of side effects but these are very rare and mild; they consist of sickness, headaches, loose stools and stomach ache. Generally, if you have loose stools the dosage is too high.

Primrose oil is not suitable for pregnant women in early trimesters.

Please consult your doctor before taking primrose capsules: this is only a guide.

Alternatively you can contact a Nutritionist and find out what you can add to your diet to improve the amount of vitamins and minerals you take in and create a healthy, balanced eating plan along with an exercise program.

Nutritionist Resource is a directory of qualified/registered nutritionists and it’s possible to search your local area to find one near you. There is also information on the areas a nutritionist can help with.

What is Evening Primrose Oil? More about Evening Primrose uses and its benefits.

The Benefits of a Fish Oil Supplement Fish oil shares some of the same benefits as Evening Primrose oil.

Why organic? - Why choose organic food and products.